Happy 16th Birthday!

 Dear Alex,

Happy Sweet 16! I think for a mom a son’s 16th birthday is better described as bittersweet. I miss my baby boy and  kissing those chubby cheeks, playing Superheroes, and taking you to My Gym. But it has been such a joy (mostly) watching  you grow into a loyal, smart, and funny young man. Our relationship has changed over the past few years, but I know you know that I am and always will be your person. The person who will cheer the loudest, have your back, call you out, and always be there when you need to vent or when you don’t want to say a word but just need someone to be present. (Even though you always call me weird) I’m not naive. I know you don’t tell me everything, but I feel so lucky that you feel like you can talk to me. And you can!  I am here for you NO MATTER WHAT!  

I love that you and Izzy have found your friendship again. As little ones, you two had the closet relationship and then for a few years you were too cool for your little sister. Over the past year, you have remembered just how awesome she is and how she will always be your biggest fan. She told me many times how happy she is to have you as her big brother and her friend. As a mom, I couldn’t ask for anything better. And Zach. I never thought with six years between you that you guys would fight, but you do. But it isn’t all arguing and teasing between. I see him laughing at silly (and probably inappropriate) TikTok’s with you and showing you his drawings because he wants your approval. I love how you and your friends make him feel like he is famous when you see him in school. I know he drives you crazy at times, but remember he looks up to you, and as the big brother you have to be a good role model and lead by example. He is watching everything you do. Being the oldest is a tough and important job, believe me, I know. But your loyal, kind heart makes you the perfect guy for the job. 

 

I could go on and on about how proud I am, how much I love you, how lucky I am to be your mom, but I have learned that when your son is a teenager sometimes less is more. 

So I will end with my prayer for you this year. 

I pray that you are always kind and use the gifts God has given you for good and service to others. I pray that God keeps you safe when you are behind the wheel. I pray you make good choices, and when you make mistakes, you learn from them. I pray that you always find joy in life even on the tough days!

I love you, my #1.

Mom

P

Happy 13th Izzy

Dear Izzy, 

Happy 13th birthday. I cannot believe that you are thirteen. It feels like only yesterday that I was welcoming my brand new baby girl into this world. And now you’re a teenager. You are all legs - I’m so jealous of those legs. You are several inches taller than me now. And that smile of yours can light up a room and is even more beautiful now that you have your braces off! Over the years your style has changed from tutus and dresses to athletic wear to now tank tops and little skirts with some Lululemon thrown into the mix. I feel like you have grown up this year right before my eyes. 

 

Sixth grade went by in a flash. School was different last year. You were assigned to a pod and the phrase of the year was “social distancing.” You took it in stride and you and the rest of Pod 6-3 made it fun. Your grades were stellar. You were given the opportunity to take a pre-algebra course over the summer in order to get into the honors math track. I left the decision up to you, and you chose to push yourself and it paid off. You were placed in advanced math. I’m so proud that you took on the challenge even though it meant going to school in the summer and doing lots of homework. Your drive and willingness to go the extra mile will take you far in this world. This summer you also played lots of lacrosse and field hockey, spent weeks at the beach, shopped and shopped some more, and completed Junior Life Guard camp.

And in true Izzy fashion we have had so much fun over the last few weeks celebrating this milestone birthday. It started with going to see our favorite singer, Luke Bryan, with Michelle. 

 

Then we went on a girls’ trip with Kaitlyn to the beach. We went to all your favorite stores and restaurants. And of course we spent lots of time at the beach and pool. 

And last night, I made you your favorite Italian dinner and we put thirteen candles in your strawberry shortcake.  

Today you started 7th grade. I’m hoping and praying for a more normal school year for you. No matter what the years brings, I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do!!  

Be the light. Be the joy. Be the good. This crazy world needs you and is a better place with you in it. 

I love you.  Mom

Happy 9th. Birthday

 Dear Zachary,

Happy 9th birthday to my baby boy!  What a year!  It was 10 months ago today that we canceled our Spring Break trip and were told that we would have to quarantine for two weeks.  It seemed unbelievable at the time, yet here we are almost a year later still in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In the Spring, you finished second grade virtually. It wasn't easy, but we made it through.  Over the past 10 months there has been too much time spent on Xbox, many miles hiked as a family, a lot of hours playing in the ocean, and countless movie nights, outdoor playdates and s'mores devoured by the fire. This year, you snowboarded for the first time, received your First Holy Communion, learned how to write in cursive.

So many things have been canceled but some things, though a little different, still remain a constant. Sports for one...even though lacrosse was canceled last spring, you were able to join the swim team and you are a natural. I am so impressed with your speed and grace in the water.  This fall and winter, you have been able to pick back up with lacrosse and play on two flag football teams. I love watching you and Dad practice your football plays in the yard. Being a Gilman Greyhound is another constant in your life.  This fall, you returned to school for in-person learning.  I thank God every single day for your wonderful teachers who are making this possible.  Gilman isn't the same as when you left last Spring.  You have to wear masks, and your class size is much smaller because you have to stay "6 feet apart." But you don't mind.  You are so happy to be able to go to school and learn with your friends.  Today, a sled dog team visited Gilman, because you are learning all about the Iditarod.  What a cool way to spend your birthday!  

Zachary, you live life to its fullest.  You are loud.  You love to make other people laugh, you love to sing at the top of your lungs, and stomp and yell when you don't get your way.   You love to push the limits and sometimes you see the line but you cross right over it! You have a kind heart, and when you love someone you would do anything to make them happy. You always show concern and empathy for your friends and family. We are lucky to have you in our lives.  

I love you so much.  You are my baby boy, but I see you growing up and becoming more independent.  But you still love your momma, and I have a feeling you may stay a Momma's Boy just a bit longer, and I am just fine with that.

I love you with all of my heart,

Mom