Dear Jack at 15

Dear Jack,

Today you are 15 years old. Sometimes I think of you as much older. You are so tall and strong now.  Your voice is deeper, and you have the vocabulary and quick wit of someone much older. I still miss that little boy who loved to snuggle, but I have loved watching you grow into the amazing young man you are today. You have a unique ability to see the good in people, and to make those around you feel seen and appreciated.

This year you started high school. You have been waking up early every morning to go to cross country practice; something you don't love to do, but I feel you have made some good friends on the team. I worry that I nag you too much about school work. The stakes feel so much higher now that you are in high school. It doesn't help that your dad and I are both teachers and have seen it all. You are so smart and talented - I want you to have all the opportunities and options available when you graduate. I struggle with trying to balance being a good parent while still allowing you to have independence.  As you become more and more independent, I hope you know that I will still always be here for you...no matter what.  You have my unconditional love and support, and nothing will ever change that.

Happy birthday, my Jack. I love you more than words can say.

Mom

Dear Ellie at 18

 Dear Ellie,

You are legally an adult! I can't believe I am old enough to have an adult child. Thankfully, you have taken it pretty easy on me throughout your teen years.  You will be graduating in the top 10% of your class in a little over the month and will be heading off to Texas A&M in the fall.  Your high school career has been seriously impressive and you have done it all on your own. You should be so proud of yourself. Not only are you graduating magna cum laude, but you also started multiple national honor societies at your school and participated in more clubs than anyone I know. All while balancing a very rigorous course load of AP classes. 

I hope you get involved at college, join the clubs, make good friends, and live in the present. Enjoy this time in your life. I am so excited for you to experience this next chapter. 

As my oldest, you got the brunt of my parenting fumbles. I hope that through it all, you always felt how much I love you. I am endlessly proud to be your mom. 

I love you forever, my beautiful, brilliant daughter. 

Mom

Dear Sam at Age 11

 

Dear Sam,

Happy birthday to my April Fools baby! We celebrated you today by playing hooky from school. You wanted donuts for breakfast, then we played a couple board games, your dad joined us for a sushi lunch, then you and I watched the new "Mean Girls" musical (which you loved), and then it was off to your baseball game. We finished up the night playing Jackbox together as a family.  You are always so grateful and thanked me so many times throughout the day.  I was just so happy that you wanted to spend the entire day with your old mom.  

This past year, you have really become more independent.  You are the last one to leave the house in the mornings.  I was initially worried you would miss the bus or be afraid, but you haven't missed the bus once. You are also responsible for taking care of the dogs and kenneling Sadie before you leave. I am so proud of how you have handled the extra responsibility.

Because of how reliable you have become, I've loosened up about letting you explore the neighborhood with friends. You love to ride your bikes to Walgreens and buy junk food. You also love to play video games online with your friends. Our house is frequently filled with the noise of you trash talking and shouting in excitement.   

Even though you have gotten more independent and responsible, you still let me baby you a bit.  You know my mama-heart isn't quite ready to let go just yet.  I love that you still want a big hug every morning before I leave and every night before you go to bed.  I always tell you that no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby.

Happy birthday, sweet boy.  I love you forever.

Mom