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

 

Happy 8th Birthday Isabella

Dear Isabella,

According to the calendar, tomorrow is your eighth birthday.  How can this possibly be?  Just one minute ago you were my little bald baby who loved to wear tutus and play dress up.  Now you love to dress in "workout clothes." You say it is because that is what I wear.  I call you my "Sporty Spice" and am having a hard time seeing all those dresses hanging in your closet all but forgotten, except for special occasions.   This is the first year you haven't picked out a special dress for your party. This year's theme is soccer and you have your new Under Armour outfit that daddy bought you all ready to go! Your shirt says, "All Heart" and that is the perfect description of you! You have a heart of gold, my sweet girl.

And although some things have changed over the past year, you are still you. You are confident and sweet with a little sass on the side.  Your smile and laugh are contagious.  You have a wonderful imagination.  You are such an amazing and loving daughter and sister. Daddy and I count our blessings every single day. Zachary worships the ground you walk on and Alex looks to you to make sure you think he is cool. You love your cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles so much. This fall you are going to be a flower girl in your Uncle Dave and Aunt Lauren's wedding.  You and Stella are going to steal the show.  Stella, I have to mention the amazing bond you share with your cousin Stella.  Stella is the little sister you have always wanted.  She follows you around and you are so patient and loving towards her.





You are a second grader.  You play travel soccer.  You can read chapter books.  You are an amazing swimmer.  You love lacrosse, basketball and dance and are learning how to play tennis and golf. You are an talented writer and artist. You love the beach and boating, and Turks and Caicos is your favorite place.  You love to wear flip flops, eat mini muffins, jump on the trampoline.  Fusion is your favorite restaurant.  You love chocolate, but are not a big fan of gummies, ice cream or cake.  Giraffes are still your favorite animals, and you continue to insist that one day you will own one as a pet.  And although you are growing up, you still love to collect stuffed animals, and you sleep with music playing and cuddling your Gigi every night.  

You are a diligent student and always try your best in school. All of your life people have wanted to be near you.  Your smile and hugs can make even the worst day bright again. You have so many friends because you are kind, compassionate and fair.  At any given moment you and Kaitlyn and Sadie can be found at our house in the middle of a never-ending playdate. You work together to create zoos for your stuffed animals and build elaborate lego creations. Or sometimes you just giggle and chat for hours!

We have had such a fun year.   We spent many winter days snowed in, sledding, watching movies and eating s'mores.  We went to Turks and Caicos, took many trips to the beach, spent a weekend in Deep Creek with the Deys, went hiking at Mount Saint Mary's, and spent lazy days this summer at the pool. But even on lazy days, you make life fun.  Your love for life is contagious.  I know that you never lose this zeal and positivity and will always  be the sunshine of our lives!

Zachary turns 4!

Dear Zachary,

My baby. My youngest. My boy.   Last week you turned four years old.

Sorry this letter is late, but we have been very busy celebrating you! For your birthday, you wanted a Toy Story Party at home with your family. We had a great time eating pizza from Pizza Palace (also known as GT), alien cookies, and Buzz Lightyear cake.  We had an awesome magic show.  At the end, you stole the show in your magician's outfit when you made the bunny appear.  On your "real" birthday, we had dinner with your grandparents and you kept asking me, "Am I actually four?"
Daddy bought you your very own BIG BOY bike. And to round out the celebrations, we had a friend party at Kiddie Crusoe, one of your favorite places to play.

Zachary, my love, you are the cuddliest little guy in the world.  You love to give kisses, if you are in the mood.  You follow your brother and sister around, never wanting to be left out and always wanting to be like the big kids.  You love having playdates with your buddies and Thursdays have become what I like to call "Third Child Thursday."  The mommies take turns taking you, Miles and Grayson to bounce houses, playgrounds, the movies, and out to lunch.  Isabella always complains, that she never got to have playdates like that!  But I guess that is one of the perks of being the youngest.

You are in school three mornings a week and you also go to My Gym with Nana on Tuesdays and play lacrosse.  We spend pretty much the rest of our days together.  You are not a huge fan of running errands, but will agree to go to Wegmans if I buy you a pumpkin muffin.  You are a homebody and love playing with legos, my potato head, and watching movies on 'the big tv.' As soon as you come in the door, you either put on a costume of some sort or take off your shirt and put on shorts.  You are so much like daddy in many ways, but especially in the amount of clothing you each put in the dirty laundry  on any given day.

You are fiercely independent and so strong willed.  Not always the easiest kid to get along with. You want what you want.  Bribery and threats do not work!  You aren't a big fan of compromise. But you are very bright, have an amazing vocabulary and your imagination is endless. You are hilarious, everyone says so. I agree, most of the time!   I believe that with that strong personality and conviction for what you want, you will be very successful in life!

Even though you are a big kid now, you are still a Momma's Boy.  You always want me. To read to you. To sit by you. To lay with you until you fall asleep.  No one else, just me.  Like I said, we spend a lot of time together.  And sometimes, at the end of the day when I could use some time to myself, I remind myself that these moments are fleeting.  Just like it happened with Alex and Isabella, one day you will get ready for bed all by yourself and read to yourself and fall asleep without me laying right next to you for five more minutes.  Sometimes I tell myself that I am ready for that, but deep down, I know I am lying to myself. I'm going to miss those moments when they are gone, because I know you are my last baby.

So sweet boy, you can have all my minutes of every single day.  And as much as we butt heads, I wouldn't trade your tough, smart mouth exterior for anything.  You are the one who challenges me most, but I know you love me with the same fierceness that I love you.  And underneath whatever costume you are wearing at that moment, is my baby, my youngest, the one who filled that last missing piece of my heart and made it full.


I love you,
Mommy

You never stop making Alex and Isabella laugh!

You are clearly in charge!

Mommy's Boy

Daddy's Mini Me

Happy 4th Birthday!

Happy Tenth Birthday, Alexander

Dear Alex,

When you were born and in those days and weeks that followed, I cried everyday.  I didn't want you to be three days old, or a week, or a month.  I don't know how to explain it, but I was so unimaginably in love with you and so happy to be your mommy, I wanted to freeze time in that exact moment because I couldn't stand the thought of each perfect moment with you passing.

And now look at what has happened.  I blinked my eyes and ten whole years have passed.  Ten years of loving you so much that at times I felt my heart would burst. Ten years of watching you grow from that chubby little baby to this tall boy who is almost as big as me.  When I give you a hug, you can look me in the eye and put your head on my shoulder. I remember holding you and rocking you every night as an infant, your head on my shoulder, those same big, brown eyes looking up at me. Just you and me in your nursery on Snowberry Court.  It feels like forever ago, yet I have no idea where the time went.

You are a good boy, Alex.  Not a perfect boy, although I think you are pretty close to it.  You are kind and thoughtful.  A tad impatient. You get easily frustrated when things don't go your way.  But you are a diligent student and a nice friend.  This year at your conference your teacher called you "teacher's dream."  You continue to put forth effort and you excel.  When it comes to your learning are mature and invested in a way that cannot be taught.  This will take you far in life, as will the fact that you live your life being kind and empathetic to others. You are a team player in sports and in life.  You know when to lead and you know when to support those around you whether it be helping someone up on the lacrosse field or giving a word of encouragement to a friend.

You live each day to the fullest.  You are one busy kid, going to school each day, playing tennis, basketball, soccer and lacrosse at night and on weekends.  You love to spend time with your friends in your free time.  But for you, family always comes first.

You are the most wonderful son and big brother.  Being the oldest is a huge responsibility, one you do not take lightly.  You have the biggest heart, and Daddy and I are so blessed to have such a smart, loving son as a role model for Isabella and Zachary.

I knew I would have a hard time writing this letter, because you are too special of a kid for words. I could go on and on listing all the ways you are wonderful and how proud I am of you.  And maybe I'm a little biased. But I don't care.  You are my Number 1 and I will always be your biggest fan, your cheerleader, your advocate,  your momma. And as I sit here writing this letter, I keep looking over at you as you do your homework taking breaks to tease your sister, and I want to cry like I did when you were a baby, because I know this perfect moment, just like every moment of your life is fleeting.  As much as I want to freeze time, it is impossible. So like I did when you were a baby, I am going to memorize how you look, sound and act on this eve of your 10th birthday. And when I go to bed tonight, I will thank God for you like I do every night. May God bless you, because he has blessed me with the best gift in the world...you.

I love you so very much,
Momma

 

Happy Birthday Isabella

Dear Isabella,

Happy 7th birthday to my best girl.  My only girl.  My Sunshine.  My Bella Boo.  My First Grader.

You have had an amazing year.  And I thank God everyday that I am your mommy.  I am so blessed to be able to have a front row seat to your life.  During this past year,  I have watched you grow taller, your curls get longer, and your smile get even brighter. I have watched you ride a bike, swim like a fish, do a cartwheel, read books, play soccer, lacrosse and basketball.  You love to dance and do gymnastics, and you want to be a gymnast when you grow up!  You are so brave.  You are not afraid to try new things, exciting things, like paddle boarding, zip lining and riding roller coasters.

And although you have learned many new things this year and have gotten bigger, you still remain the same.  As I have stated in every letter I have ever written to you, you are you and the best things about you are the things that have been inherently you since the beginning. Pop always says, "Isabella is as good as gold." And it is true. You are such a kind, sweet girl.   Your smile lights up a room.  You love your brothers, cousins, friends and family.  Your hugs are the best. You are such a happy girl, and you spend each day living life to its fullest. People love to be around you. You are chatty and funny.  You love to laugh at your own jokes and that loud laugh of yours in contagious!

You are a girly girl, but you can hang with the boys.  You are a wonderful big sister, so patient and imaginative. Zachary loves to play with you.  He misses you when you are at school.  You are a typical little sister. You and Alex argue sometimes, especially when Alex wants to "teach you something," but the bond you have always had is undeniable. He wants to be your protector and (secretly) you love it!

You are a Daddy's Girl through and through, and I am okay with that! The way your daddy treats you and loves you is the sweetest thing in the world.  He loves all of us, but you are his princess, his one and only. And in my opinion, that is how it should be.

And then there is me, your mommy. No one in all the world loves you as much as I love you.  You are my heart.  My daughter. And I strive to be a better person and woman, because of you.  I know you are watching.  And I pray everyday that I am setting a good example for you. I want you to grow up to be strong and loyal and kind.   And sometimes that means admitting that I am wrong or impatient or unfair. It is important to know that no one is perfect but as long as you try to be your best self, that is all that matters.  One day someone will say to you, "like mother, like daughter." And when you hear those words, more than anything I want you to feel proud.

I love you, my Golden Girl.
Mommy

Zachary is 3!!

Dear Zachary,

We have had such a fun week celebrating your birthday.  All of our family and your little buddies came over for a football party on Sunday!  You were so excited that it was your party and had a blast playing with your friends.  Your face was priceless as we all gathered around to sing happy birthday.  I looked around and saw love for you on every smiling face in the room.  On Tuesday, you turned three.  I went into your room and said, "Wake up birthday boy!!" You jumped right up and couldn't wait to start the day!  We headed off to school where we celebrated with Ninja Turtle yogurt and cupcakes at snack time.  Your grandparents came over for dinner and there were more presents and more cupcakes! You love to tell everyone that you are THREE now!

My big, big boy!  You are so independent. You can dress yourself and love picking out your own clothes.  You have been potty trained for months.  Soon after, you told me that you were a big boy so you didn't take naps anymore.  And that was that! You haven't napped since.  You are one stubborn kid.  You want what you want.  There is never any compromise with you!

You challenge me in ways that utterly exhaust me.  You are quite a trouble maker.  You love to start trouble and you aren't afraid to finish it too! But in your defense, you do say you are sorry...You say it a lot :)  And when you apologize, I have to say, "It's okay."  You don't mind making me mad, but you don't like me to stay mad at you.  And to be honest, I can't stay mad anyway.  You are too darn cute.  You know all the right things to say. When you throw your arms around my neck and say, "I love you Momma,"  I melt.  Or when you climb in my lap with a pile of books and say, "Let's snuggle," I could sit and read to you all night.

Zachary at THREE:

• You are our baby whether you like to admit it or not. We absolutely adore you. 
• You love to have Mommy and Daddy all to yourself.
• You love your "sister" and your "brother." And you love to go in their rooms and take their stuff too!  As an oldest child, I feel their pain and try my best to keep you out!
• Your favorite toys are little figures and legos.  You carry your "guys" around.
• You love peanut butter on raisin bread, yogurt, bagels with cream cheese, and edamame
• You love to dress up. At any given moment you might be Spiderman, a construction worker or a Ninja Turtle
• You always have a hat on your head and gloves on your hands - even in the house
• You always want to be with your "friends." You ask for Grayson, Brayden, Miles and Tanner to come over everyday
• You still sleep with Bun Bun every night and always ask for it when you are sad or hurt
• You don't like to watch tv but you do like movies like Toy Story, Frozen, Monsters U, and Despicable Me
• You love all your big cousins and your "Sweet little Stella"
• You love to talk on the phone and take bubble baths and play in the basement
• You ride your Four Wheeler around like a boss (as Alex would say) 
• You are such a funny kid.  Your facial expressions are hilarious.  We always know how you are feeling by the look on your face (you get that from me)
• You talk from morning to night.  Your vocabulary is amazing.  You tell it like it is, and sometimes you use some not-so-nice words to do it. 
• You are inquisitive, smart, silly and all-boy!

So, my Zachary.  Three years old.  Definitely not a baby anymore.  But as your Uncle Dave will tell you, you can grow up all you want, but you will always hold that special place in our hearts as the baby.  You will always be the one that completed our family of five, the little brother who has so much of Alex and Isabella in your eyes and your smile, and the one who can get away with so much more because you have a whole family answering to your every whim. You are the one who makes me crazy with your shenanigans,  but I am crazy in love with you. You will always be Daddy's buddy.  You will always be the center of our world, the four of us surrounding you with all our love and attention.  There is no one like you, baby boy, I mean "big boy" (wink wink).

I love you Zachary.  to infinity and beyond.

Mommy

Happy 9th Birthday

Dear Alex,

Happy 9th Birthday!!! We have spent a wonderful week celebrating YOU.  Last weekend, we went to New York City with our family.  We shopped at the Lego Store, FAO Schwartz, and Dylan's Candy Bar.  We saw Christmas Spectacular at Radio City and Santa at Macy's on 34th Street.  We ate dinner at Carmine's where we sang Happy Birthday to you and Uncle Drew, and you ate the biggest dessert I have ever seen.  We ate at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the whole restaurant sang "Happy Birthday" to you!  We visited the tree at Rockafeller Center and the Balto Statue in Central Park.

Then on Wednesday, you woke up a nine-year old.  I volunteered at school, so I could spend more time with you.  As we do each year, we had a wonderful birthday dinner of with your grandparents.  We had crab soup and Pralines and Cream ice cream cake - your favorites!

And then last night, we wrapped up your birthday celebration with a party at Sky Zone. You had a blast with all of your friends and of course, your favorite people in the world, Jake and Luke!

Even though, the birthday celebrations are over, I spend every single day celebrating you.  You are my heart.  Sometimes, I can't believe how lucky I am to be  mom of such a smart, kind, funny, loyal boy.  You make us proud everyday. You continue to excel in school.  You received all A's on your report card, and your teachers say you are an absolute joy to teach. At your conference last month, your teachers said that you have pride in your work, are invested in your learning, and you are like a "big brother" to the other kids. As a mom, I could not ask for more.  Yes, you want what you want and have been known to pout at times, but all in all you have one of the most kind hearts of anyone I know. Ever since you were little, you have been empathetic, sensitive, funny, loving and loyal.  These are traits that have grown with you.  These are the traits that make you the kind of person people want to be around.  You are a fun friend, a team player, and you are heart of our family.  You have a way of making those around you feel good about themselves and that, my son, is one of my most favorite things about you! Because as your mom, I look at the person you are and can see the man you are going to be...I know you will take care of those you love and that brings me so much joy, (especially because you love your momma most).

At nine years old:

• you love hanging out with your friends
• you are taking guitar lessons on your new red electric guitar
• your favorite night of the week is Friday Movie Night with your family
• you play lacrosse, basketball and soccer, and your dad is your coach and biggest fan
• you are reading Harry Potter, and so am I! (I love our "book" talks each night)
• you enjoy puzzles - "games that make your brain think"
• you love playing games on your iPad, listening to music, running around the neighborhood with your friends  
• your family comes first
•  you are an amazing big brother to Isabella and Zachary.  You include them and protect them. You are patient (most of the time) and always put them first, even before yourself

Happy happy birthday Alexander.  Continue to be YOU! There is no one like you in all the world, and no one as lucky as me because I get to live my life as your mom.

Love you, 

Momma

Happy 6th Birthday

Isabella,

Happy 6th Birthday to my Labor Day baby.  Wait?  Can that even be so?  There is no way that my sweet little baby girl is six years old.  Was it really six years ago that I looked into your eyes for the first time and fell in love? Even though I had been a mother for almost three years, the moment I held you, I had the life changing revelation that there is nothing in this world quite the same as the bond between a mother and her daughter. Every time in the past six years I have looked into your eyes the feeling of wanting everything right and good and just in this world to be yours is so fierce and overpowering. You deserve the best that this life has to offer, because you are the best daughter and sister a family could ever have.

I have never in my life wanted time to stand still as much as I do when I look at you.  I watched you learn to walk and then I blinked and now you are learning to ride a bike.  I was there when you made friends, and have watched these friendships grow and blossom. I waited patiently with you as you went from a bald baby to a girl with long, curly hair. It took a long time but your wish finally came true.   I spent countless hours reading board books and picture books to you on the rocker in your nursery. Now I lay in your bed with you and read chapter books. I wish for just one day I could go back to that Labor Day six years ago when I held you, my daughter, for the first time.

Tomorrow you are going to get on a bus for your first full day of Kindergarten.  Life as I know is never going to be the same. I waited an extra year to send you to Kindergarten.  You will be one of the oldest in your class.  Everyone says that I will never regret waiting to send you...and I know this is true.  I have enjoyed every second of having you with me over the past six years.  Sure you went to preschool, and My Gym and play dates and even some sleepovers, but you were still mostly mine.  I know that it is time for you to start this next chapter of your life, but when you get on that bus in the morning you will be taking my heart with you.  You are my heart.  My daughter. My sunshine.  I don't know what I am going to do.  Nothing will ever be the same again.  I am not sure how I am going to handle it.  But I will.  Because it is as it should be.  You will continue to grow and learn and become more independent.  I will put on a brave face and be strong for you.  Because if nothing else, I want to lead by example.  I want you to go out into the world and be strong and brave. And baby girl, as you go tomorrow, I want you to know these three things...


1. You are my BEST girl. Always.
2. Be yourself. You are as bright as the sun. Let your light shine. Always.
3. No matter what I will be right here waiting for you. Always.

I love you,
Mommy

Two and a Half

Dear Zachary,

You are another 1/2 year older.  You act much older than your age.  You want to be big like Alex and Isabella.  There is no holding you back.  You want to do what you want to do when you want to do it.  You like playing with your "friends" and can hang with the big kids too.  You love to play "the cross"(lacrosse) and can scoop and throw like a champ. You are social and happy and full of energy...so much energy.

You weigh 26 pounds and are 35.5 inches tall.  You may not weigh very much but you are as tough as can be.  You love to wrestle and you fear no opponent.  You tackle Isabella, Alex, Daddy and even Uncle Steve.

You are a smart boy with a smart mouth.  You talk back to me.  You challenge me.  But you love me.  When push comes to shove you love your momma, even though you sometimes tell me you don't.  You just like to drive me crazy.  But then you will wrap your arms around my legs and look up at me with those big eyes and I melt.  I love in the mornings when I go get you from your crib you say, "Good Morning Mommy" and snuggle against my shoulder...even if it is only for a second before you run into Alex's room to destroy his latest Lego creation.

You talk nonstop.  You don't like to nap even though it is evident by your dinnertime meltdowns that you still need them. You love the beach and the pool. You insist on wearing your goggles or sunglasses. You want to be outside helping daddy and you love taking rides in the golf cart. Your favorite movies are Toy Story,  Beauty and the Beast and "100" Dalmatians.  You go pee on the potty (when you feel like it) and pick out your clothes and try to dress yourself. Yesterday you picked out an outfit and said, "This is cool.  I wear this." You insist on putting on your own shoes, and I have to force you to hold my hand in parking lots. You are Mr. Independent.  Mr. Big Shot.  

You are loving having Alex and Isabella home this summer. Isabella plays so nicely with you.  She is very patient with you for the most part.  And you follow around Alex and his buddies. They all think you are hilarious. They are your audience and laugh at everything you do.  Makes disciplining you a difficult task for mommy. You torment Alex and Isabella as only a little brother can...but they can never stay mad at you for long. If I discipline you, they rush to you and comfort you forgetting that just a minute ago you were pulling Isabella's hair or hitting Alex.  I say they are your protectors, and they are, but if I had to say what would happen in the future, I bet you will be the one who will have their backs in every situation. Probably cause you are always looking for trouble.

I love you My Little Turkey,
Mommy