HAPPY 11th to IZZY!!

Dear Izzy, 

Happy 11th birthday! As always, we had so much fun over the weekend celebrating YOU! You had a Mystery Party sleepover with your besties. You are so very blessed with the sweetest friends. On Sunday, we had family brunch with all your favorite foods - Trader Joe cinnamon buns, chocolate chip croissants, and red velvet cupcakes. It was a beautiful day just for you, my beautiful girl. Your birthday is always the best way to end summer. 

Speaking of summer, we had a busy one!! We started the summer in Disney World. We traveled to Colorado for the first time where we kayaked, hiked and biked! And we spent most of the summer at the beach-swimming, shopping and spending time with our family. One of my most favorite memories of the summer was the day you and I watched the sun rise over the ocean.

  

And as the fall begins, you are experiencing so many changes in your life. The biggest change is starting a new school. You are now a Bryn Mawr Girl.

You are going to be so successful at Bryn Mawr. I know it is a little scary and different right now, but you, my girl, are the whole package!  You are smart, athletic, conscientious, creative and kind! As I have always told you since you were a tiny girl- you can do it!!!! Anything! Everything! Even learn French (Inside Joke 😜). So go into this new school year with confidence and pride. You were born to be a leader. 

I’m not saying it will always be easy, but remember one thing, when things get tough and you need help, guidance or a reminder of how awesome you are, I am here for you! I am your safe place, your rock. I will always be right here if you need me. 

“Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love you!”  I read this quote and it reminded me of you. Don’t ever change,  because you radiate kindness and goodness and love. People are drawn to your sense of humor and compassion for others.  You have sweet friends because you are sweet and those are the type of people you attract. Your family adores you because of your loyalty and huge heart. This world needs more people like you! 

I am so excited to see all the wonderful adventures this year has in store for you!!! 

Love you - you will always be my best girl. 

Mommy

Happy 7th Birthday!

Dear Zachary, 

My baby. You are seven years old today. A first grader. A basketball player. A lacrosse shooter. A fast swimmer. A book reader. A story writer. A picture drawer. A movie watcher.  A noise maker. A button pusher. A sweet cuddler. 

You make life fun. You love to laugh, especially at your own jokes.  You love to play video games with Alex and Grayson. You love to wrestle with daddy. You love to FaceTime with Stella. You love to create art projects with Izzy. You love to go on walks with me and Millie. 

You started at a new school this year. You love Gilman. You hop out of the car every morning with a smile and a “bye mom.” You are learning so much and making new friends. You love the weeks when your class gets to swim in gym class. You are learning Spanish and right now you are writing a story about animal habitats. You are a rule follower at school. At home, not so much!

Having you in carpool has been quite an adjustment for Alex and me. You talk constantly. Well, more like just hum, sing and make noise. In the afternoon, while we wait for Alex you eat snack and after snack. You are always so hungry after a long day of school. In the evenings, you do homework. You have the neatest handwriting of all of my kids (thank you, Gilman). 

You are the most stubborn child I have ever met. You take strong-willed to a whole other level.  You say words that kids your age shouldn’t say. And I have to threaten to tell your teacher to get you to stop. You seriously never listen to a word we say. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you are definitely not an easy kid. But you definitely are a great kid with a big heart. You always say, “Sometimes I am bad on the outside, but you know I have a good heart on the inside!”  I believe this. I see this. You are fiercely loyal. You are protective of your little cousins. You have no fear, except when it comes to going to bed at night. You still want me to lay with you until you fall asleep. You aren’t a big kid, but you have a big personality. You are a bit of a clown. You love to be the center of attention. You are a bit of a celebrity with Alex and Izzy’s friends. 

You, my baby boy, challenge me like I have never been challenged before. But you are a Momma’s boy through and through. I will never forget the first time I saw you! You stole a piece of my heart. You are never going to give it back. You can have it. I love you so much inside and out... all of you. Always and forever. 

Mommy 

 My Dear Alex, 

Happy 13th birthday, Alex. I cannot believe I am the mom of a teenager. You continue to make me proud every day. You are a diligent student, a  loyal friend, and an empathetic and loving son and brother. 

You continue to amaze me with your successes in school. You work hard each and every day and it shows in your grades. I love that you come home excited about what you are learning. You are also a talented artist. Your art projects are on display in the Middle School. This fall you joined the Cross Country team. I loved cheering you on and watching your confidence grow with each race as you beat your PR over and over again. I see great things in your future as a Gilman Greyhound both in the classroom and on the race course. 

You are such a great kid. You have a kind heart and you always put your family first. You have many friends, but your cousins are your best friends. You still enjoy family time, especially our beach days, movie nights, and making s’mores. 

You love listening to rap music, watching funny videos on You Tube, playing video games, hanging out with your buddies, shooting hoops, and jumping on the trampoline with Zachary and Izzy. 

If I’m being totally honest, I would rewind time if given the chance. I would go back and relive those sleepless nights and baby years all over. I would even go back to the days when you were a toddler who bit kids on the playground. I have enjoyed every day of being your mom. All of my best memories and most important moments of my life are because of you. You made me a mom, and I can never thank you enough for being such a joy. I am so blessed to spend each day watching you grow into a fine young man. 

Always know I am here for you as you navigate through these teenage years. Sometimes things will be tough and confusing, but you have a smart brain in your head and the biggest heart in your chest. Use them and trust them. Your moral compass is on point. Don’t let peer pressure sway you from doing what you know is right. And you have Dad and I in your corner, always. We are here for you,  no matter what! 

You will always be my #1. 

I love you all the love in the world - 

Mom 

Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday,  Isabella Grace. My sweet, perfect girl. My best girl. I love you so much. Your smile. Your laugh. Your love of life. You make me happy every single day. 

I am the luckiest mom in the world. I can honestly say that there hasn’t been a day that goes by in a whole decade that I don’t thank God for sending you to me. One of my three greatest gifts. My best girl. My only girl. My heart. We have a bond that is special. You may be daddy’s girl, but we have a mommy-daughter love that is so very special. I truly feel as if your heart speaks to mine. It is hard to explain this connection, but I feel it in my every heartbeat. 

Your smile and kind nature make me believe in the goodness that I know still exists in this world. It has to exist, because you are the epitome of goodness. I believe you will spend your life leading by example. You will do great things and others will see you and follow your lead. I’m so excited to see what this next decade has in store for you. I feel like in some ways it will have more changes than the first. And as your mom, I promise to be right here for you. Anything you need, anytime of the day or night, I will be there. You can trust me to be your biggest cheerleader in sports, school and life; your shoulder to cry on when you are sad and your sounding board when you have big decisions in life. And of course your shopping, sushi and pedicure partner, because our girl days are the highlight of my life. 

I love you all the love in the world. Remember to always be silly, be honest, be kind. 

Mommy

Happy 6th Birthday !

Dear Zachary, 

My six year old. My big kindergartner. My Mr. Independent. My stubborn boy. My sweet baby. You are all these things rolled into one boy. You continue to challenge me and amaze me every single day. 

You are a Momma’s Boy, and I love every second you want to snuggle! But you love your dad and there are some things only he can do right- tuck you in, make you s’mores, swim with you,  and tie your towel around your waist! 

You are learning to read in school and love when I read to you at night. You pick out the words you know. Your favorite books are joke books! You love learning new jokes and telling them to our family to make them laugh. You can add and subtract and come home everyday with stickers for good behavior or being helpful in class. You love when I volunteer in the classroom and in the cafeteria. It melts my heart to see your face light up when you see me at school. I feel like a celebrity!

Your personality and your smile can fill a room. No one has a brighter smile or a louder laugh. You make your presence known. You are quite the character. You may be the youngest, but you are the boss and the one who loves to start trouble.  You have not outgrown your refusal for compromise. You can’t help yourself. You want what you want. You are as stubborn as can be!! Alex and Izzy usually let you get away with your mischief. They love you so much. 

We had an amazing weekend celebrating your birthday. We had a play date with Grayson, went to the movies, had a family dinner, opened lots of presents, played basketball, and had a swimming party with your friends. Daddy bought you a dirt bike with all the gear and pads to go with it. You are so brave! You got right on and sped away! 

At six years old, you love yogurt, chocolate chip pancakes, pirate booty and Chick-fil-a. You love Spongebob, Imaginex toys, Superheroes and Minecraft. You love playing with your friends and your cousins, walking to Grayson’s house like a big kid, playing hide and seek and Uno, and jumping on the trampoline. You and I spend quite a lot of quality time putting together legos. You play soccer, basketball and lacrosse. 

I am still in shock that my baby is six.  But I am so excited to see what happens next!

I love you, my baby. 

Momma

Happy 12th Birthday!

Dear Alex,

Tomorrow you turn twelve years old.  And here we are again...birthday weekend. I love that you love to celebrate your birthday. I tease you that you think your birthday is a National Holiday, but I agree it is a big deal. The biggest deal, because it marks another year that I have been able to live my life doing the most important job in the world, being your mom.

This past year has been one of the fastest years ever. I feel like we just celebrated your 11th birthday at Hershey Park.  Today we will celebrate you again!  We are taking you and your friends to the Towson Basketball Game. Old friends, new friends and best friends will be there.  And tomorrow we will have family dinner.  Friends and family. Your loyalty and love belong to your friends and family.  And because of your loyal, funny, and kind nature, everyone in your life counts you as one of their blessings.

Lots of changes have happened this year.  In February, you got your acceptance into three schools, and you chose to go to The Gilman School.  You said, "Mom. I just belong there."  You immediately went outside and put a "Gilman" magnet on my car. You graduated fifth grade at Jacksonville, earning straight A's and The Sportsmanship Award.  You spent the beginning of the summer playing in lacrosse tournaments.  We spent the rest of the summer at the beach, our happy place!  And then it was time to start school.  We went to the school store and bought your supplies, including a book bag with what else but a Gilman patch on it. (A book bag that you left at home on the first day of school, and I had to drive all the way home and back to school with it.  BEST.MOM.EVER).

Let's talk about this drive to and from Gilman and what happens during the hours in between. You and I get up early and drive to school.  You are usually quiet on the drive, but I don't mind.  We chat a little about your school work and which teacher you need to see when you get there. You eat your breakfast. I drop you off a half hour before school starts. You hop out of the car and say, "Bye, mom.  Love you." I watch you as you walk into school usually talking with your friends, and one day I saw you help a boy on crutches who you didn't even know  by carrying his book bag. During the day, I can't see what you are doing, but I know you are learning, and talking, and playing.  When I pick you up, you get into the car, sometimes after a quick stop in the school store for a snack, with a smile.  I always ask, "How was your day?"  You say, "Great!" and then you tell me all about the new things you learned,  funny things that happened with your new friends, the grades you got on the tests or projects, art and 3D printing clubs, and the sports you played in gym. You are thriving at Gilman. You are being challenged, but you are proving you are up to the challenge.  Your teachers say you are a diligent student who stays on task and is kind to others. Your evenings are spent doing homework and playing sports.  You are playing lacrosse and basketball.  You also go to small group training that works on speed and agility. You are one busy boy! I am so impressed with your maturity and work ethic.

I could literally write a book about you and how proud I am of the young man you are and continue to become. But I have to wake you up, so you can study for exams before your birthday celebrations begin!  But before I end, here are a few other things about you at twelve.  You love Chick-Fil-A and eat it several times a week. I tease you that your blood type is now Chick-Fil-A sauce.  You like to listen to rap music, but I hear you singing along to my country music in the car. Like most other tweens, your phone is an appendage.  You love snapchat, silly group texts with your buddies and youtube.  You can give us an attitude and sometimes have a smart mouth, and can be a bit of a know-it-all. I suspect that will just get worse as we transition into the teen years.  We will get through it.  And lastly, it has happened......You are officially taller than me! 

Happy Birthday to my #1.  I love you all the love in the world.
Mom (Momma)

Happy 9th Birthday, Isabella

Beach time with the family

 Dear Izzy,

Another year has gone by in a blink of an eye. You are starting 3rd grade next week after an amazing summer of family time at the beach.  We spent our days riding on the boat, building castles in the sand, and playing in the waves.  Grandma has nicknamed you 'Mermaid' because your favorite place to be is in the ocean.

I went back and read your letter from last year, and I feel like I could write the exact same words once again.  I say it all the time, from the minute you came into this world you have been inherently you. I may be a little biased but I think you were born as close to perfect as a person can possibly be. You are a ray of sunshine every single day. But as you grow and gain knowledge and experiences, you just continue to glow brighter and brighter with each passing year.  Your smile, your crazy laugh, your love for life, your patience and kindness towards your brothers, your loyalty to your friends and family, truly makes you the heart of our family.

My Beach Babe

Your positive attitude and ability to find joy in the simplest things are going to take you far in this world.  You are so well-rounded, sporty and girly, serious and silly, tough and sweet. You are athletic and a leader on your teams. You love to play soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. You love to swim and dance. You are Daddy's best helper in the yard. You are my shopping buddy, and you love to cuddle and read with me at night. You are the best sister in the world. You play with Zachary for hours, keeping him entertained with your amazing imagination. You shoot hoops and jump on the trampoline with Alex.  He has even been heard saying that you are a cool little sister! You are a sweet and fair friend.  You are a good student both in school and in life.

Birthday Fun!

I know I tell you this often, but I truly thank God for you every day. I don't know what I would do without you. You bring us so much love and joy and laughter (very loud laughter). I know I am the mom, and I try to set a good example for how to live, but even at nine years old, the way you live your life to the fullest each day is an example that everyone should follow. Maybe it is silly to say that I look up to you, but I do.  I think everyone should have a little more sunshine in their hearts the way you do.

Happy 9th Birthday

Fifth Grade Farewell



Alex,

Today you said farewell to elementary school. I knew I would cry just as I did the first time you climbed the steps of the bus on the first day of Kindergarten. But this time it was different. I cried tears of joy. Yes. I am a little sad that you are growing up way too quickly. But that sadness is outweighed by my adoration and pride in you. Not only have you had stellar grades for your entire time at Jacksonville, but you are so much more than that. When Mrs. Lee described the characteristics of the recipients of the Sportsmanship Award,  I knew your name would be called. You are such a kind, empathetic, and positive kid. You are the epitome of a team player. You always give it your all. And if I have said it once, I have said it a million times, I am so very proud to be your mom.

You have made so many good friends over the last six years. It has been said more than once that your class is a great group of kids. And although you are going to a different school next year, I know that you all will cross paths at the pool, middle school dances, and parties. You never forget your first friends.

I'm so excited to see where this next chapter of your life takes you. You may no longer be a Jacksonville Jet,  but I know you are going to continue to soar. Gilman made a wise choice when they chose you. Go Gilman Greyhounds!

I love you, my #1
Momma



Happy 5th Birthday to my baby!

Dear Zachary,

You are five years old! You are a whole handful literally as well as figuratively. I can't even get my head around it.  It feels impossible that it has been five years since we brought you home from the hospital. But I truly can't imagine what our life would be without you.  You may take after me in stature, but your personality is gigantic.  You definitely think you are older than you are and want to be one of the big kids. I joke and call you my little teenager. You are tough, and you always say what is on your mind.  You are not one for compromise, but we are working on that. You have a great sense of humor and just like a typical five year old, many of your jokes involve potty words.

You are still a Momma's boy.  You still like me to lay with you at night. I read books to you, scratch your back and talk to you about your day. If you had a day where you misbehaved and got in trouble you will say to me, I can't wait to wake up and see you smiling at me Mommy.  I will be a good boy tomorrow.  And if I ever get up and tell you I'll be right back, I better come right back.  You will not fall asleep while you are waiting.  You are a night owl for sure.  You don't go to sleep early, making it tough on your early rising mom!  I am pretty sure I fall asleep earlier than you most nights. 

That smile!  No one has a smile like you.  Mischief and charm all rolled into that one grin.  You clearly believe you are in charge.  Usually we are scared to argue with you....

You tell me, Mommy. You are so beautiful. And you always want to give me just one more hug and kiss, and it absolutely melts my heart... My little ladies' man.  

Over this past year, we have taken trips to the beach, Deep Creek Lake, Turks and Caicos (you have already started packing for our next trip there in April), and Disney World.  You still love dressing up and spent the whole day in character, Jack "Zach" Sparrow, after being made over as a pirate in the Pirate League.  

This year you are in your last year of preschool three days a week.  You are lucky to have your buddy Grayson in your class. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we hang out with Stella, go on adventures with Nana and Grayson, or just stay in our pjs all day.  In a few months, I will take you to Kindergarten registration. I joke that I am ready, but I'm not.  I am going to miss you so much.  I'm going to miss playing legos and doing puzzles, watching movies, going to Wegmans, walking around Hunt Valley with Gabe and Stella,  and taking you and Grayson (my grumpy old men) to Kiddie Crusoe, Chick-Fil-A, Five Below and Five Guys. I'm even going to miss arguing with you about what we each consider too much time on the Ipad. But I think Kindergarten is going to be good for you.  I think in many ways you are ready.  And although you are not one to sit for long amounts of time, you are a quick learner and have a bright mind.  You will do well, I believe in you.

Everyday you challenge me, drive me a little crazy, and make me laugh.  I hope you always see me as beautiful, because I know when you look in my eyes and say I'm beautiful you aren't talking about my physical appearance.  You see the love in my eyes, and that is what makes me beautiful to you. There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the love a mom has for their child.  It is all encompassing and forever. I will always love you. You will always be my baby boy.

Momma

Happy 11th Birthday

Dear Alex,

Today you are 11 years old.  I woke you up at 6 am for lacrosse practice with a kiss and a bunch of balloons.  You opened your eyes and said, "Mom."  The most beautiful word in all the world.  I laid down next to you for just a moment and put my arms around you.  And I couldn't help it, the tears came.  Because I remember another December morning, before the sunrise, eleven years ago when I held you in my arms. It was just you and me in those moments before dawn, just as it was on the day you were born.

I know I tell you all the time, but I love you so much.  I am so proud of you.  You continue to excel in school.  I can't believe you are in fifth grade.  You have such a nice group of kids in your grade and have loved every minute of your experiences at Jacksonville.  But change is on the horizon. We have spent the fall applying, visiting, interviewing and shadowing at middle schools.  You have handled this process with your usual maturity and incredible insight. And although the future is still unknown until the acceptance letters come in February, you know where you want to be and I am confident that the school wants you too. What school wouldn't want you?  You are bright, creative, diligent, friendly, kind and a good friend.  I am so excited for you and this next chapter of your life. I know at times it isn't going to be easy, but I will be right here if you need me.

You continue to try new things like computer game programming, yearbook club, and robotics club.  This year you played soccer, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, swam on swim team, and ran cross country.  I love watching you play sports, always a team player, helping a teammate up when he falls and giving a pat on the back when a goal is scored.  But  it was running cross country, where I saw you shine.  The Mighty Milers allowed you to find your stride, literally.  And I was so happy to be on the journey with you.  I was able to run some trail runs and 5K's along side of you.  Well, that is how the season started.  By the end of the season, I was following behind you.  Watching you run with a new-found confidence that made me so happy. And we both got a little teary that day when your name was announced as first place in your age group after a 5K. I hope my body allows me to keep running with (behind) you, because, Baby Boy, there is no better feeling in the world then getting to watch your child's success and confidence grow literally with each step.

You know I could go on and on.  I am your biggest fan.  You are my perfect boy. And nothing makes me happier than when you give me a hug and say to me, "I love my momma." When you put your arms around it reminds me that even though you are no longer a little baby, (one more inch and you will be as tall as me), those four words are spoken so naturally and with such sincerity and love that I know a part of you will always belong to me.  Because you are all the best parts of me.

I love you,
Momma