Happy 17th Birthday, Izzy!

Happy Birthday 

 "my dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen." 

Dear Izzy,

Happy 17th Birthday to my best girl!

Seventeen years ago, on Labor Day, my world was forever changed in the best way. My wish came true—my daughter was born. When I look at you, I sometimes still see that little girl with the curls and the missing front tooth, but I also see the young woman you’ve become. You are beautiful inside and out—quiet at times, but never afraid to speak your mind. You are witty, smart, and determined. You are loyal to your friends and your family. You are, and always have been, the glue that holds us all together. You may argue with your brothers, but I know you are their biggest supporter and the one they go to when they need to talk. You are a Daddy’s girl—his Boo—and he would truly do anything to make you happy. I am so proud of you and so lucky to be your mom.

This year has been filled with firsts: your first State Championship in Field Hockey, your first car, your first (and second!) trip to South Beach, your first trip to California, getting your first class ring, your first time going through a drive-through and ordering by yourself, and your first time being a camp counselor. I love seeing your independence shine.

It has also been a year of favorites: Turks for New Year’s, family dinners, the Fourth of July on the beach with your friends, countless beach days with family, and of course ending with the best week of the summer—“Cousins in the Condo.”

And now, a junior in high school! Being born on September 1st, we could have sent you to Kindergarten when you turned five, but I’m so glad we didn’t. Your maturity and determination to succeed will serve you well in these last two years of high school and beyond. An added bonus is that I get two more years with you before I have to send you to college. Junior year is such an important year—your schedule and classes are challenging, but I have no doubt you will always put forth your best effort. And I know you’ll find the time to have fun too.   

Watching you grow up has been one of my greatest joys. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you do this year. And remember, you may not need me the way you once did as a little girl, but I’ll always be here for you. Forever. 

I love you so very much my Izzy Bizzy.

Mom

Happy 13th Birthday

 Dear Zachary,

Thirteen on the thirteenth!! It seems impossible that thirteen years ago today, I was on bedrest thinking I had another month to go until you were born. Little did I know that you would be ready to make your arrival that very night. That night we became a party of five. Some people don't like odd numbers, but I think five is the perfect number.  Five senses, five fingers, five toes, Joe Flacco's jersey number, and the number of people who make up our family. On that cold January night, you did what no one else in the world could do, you came into this world and made our family whole. I had my bookend boys and my girl in the middle. And I know I say it all the time, but time goes by too quickly. I blinked, and now you are a teenager. How is it possible, you were just a baby yesterday? 

 

This year our "party of five" took a trip to Siesta Key in March. We spent the summer at the beach and on the lacrosse fields, except for the (almost) two weeks you went to camp. (It is safe to day that camp will not be on your schedule this summer.) You started 7th grade this fall and are doing well in school. You still complain (every night) about homework. You played tackle football for Gilman, and your team had an undefeated season. You joined the youth group at church with Grayson and say it is your favorite part of the week. This winter we went to Turks for New Year's where you fished, snorkeled and discovered your love for surf and turf. You are on the wrestling team and halfway through the season, you are 4-0. Sometimes I have to shut my eyes when you wrestle, because I'm scared you are going to get hurt. But I always peek, because I am so impressed with your mental and physical toughness on the mat. It is a very difficult sport, but you are not one to back down just because something is tough! You are  playing lacrosse and just started Snowboarding.  And like most teenage boys I know, you are obsessed with video games, youtube, and your phone.

         

You aren't a fan of bedtimes, consequences, and following directions. You are a fan of bad words, talking back and arguing your point. You are impulsive and strong-willed and love to challenge us, but you are also always up for a challenge. You are determined, bright, and willing to go out of your comfort zone to try new things. You have a strong sense of self, aren't afraid to say what is on your mind, and you stand up for what you believe is right. You are loyal and loving and witty and give the best hugs!

And I know you are as tall as me now (and praying for that growth spurt soon), but you will always be my baby boy, my little love. I will always be here for you, to listen to you, to remind you to do your homework, to cheer for you on and off the field and mat. I love you so very much. And I'm going to do by best to hold onto these teenage years, even if they aren't the easiest, because I am truly going to miss this when you are all grown up.

I love you Zachary,

Mom