Happy 9th Birthday CJ

Dear CJ,

Wow! Nine years! You my boy are everything I ever could have dreamed for in a son. You are kind, loving, handsome, and funny. I love getting to share Met's baseball with you. Seeing the excitement in your eyes when we go to a game. I love watching you play baseball even more. I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I'm enjoying watching you play baseball.

As much as I hate to admit it you're a preteen now. This is going to begin to open up a whole new world for you. I want you to know you will always be my baby boy no matter how big you get. Even if you are taller than me, which yes, you probably will be, both of your sisters are.

I hope nine is an amazing year for you. Filled with lots of fun and excitement. I know there are big changes for us on our horizon with Natalie graduating and going to college and our plan of moving to Florida in the summer. I know it's going to be hard for you to say goodbye to your friends, but I know you'll make new ones. You are such a smart and friendly little boy and anyone who wouldn't want to be your friend is a fool.

Whatever you do stay awesome kiddo. I love you and hope this birthday is the best one yet.

Love,
Mommy

Happy 17th Birthday

Dear Natalie,

What can I say that I haven't already? Seventeen years ago you made me a mother. It's a day I will never forget. The day my heart swelled with love.

In some ways it's hard to believe that you're not a little baby anymore, but then I also am looking forward to what's to come for you. This is an important year ahead for you, but I know you know that. Here's what I hope for you this year.

I hope you will take the time to have fun with your friends. Create your own stories to one day share with your 17 year old daughter at Moe's over a bowl of Queso.

I hope you will follow your heart when it comes to choosing your college. You will know what's right for you. Trust in yourself and don't second guess yourself. It's going to be scary, no doubt about it, but you will know what the right choice is when the time comes.

I hope you will smile a lot. There's really no greater part of my day than seeing you smiling.

I hope you won't stress too much. But when you do get stressed I hope you will remember this too shall pass.

I hope you will always have the big heart you have, especially when it comes to your little brother and sisters. And yes, I said sisters, as much as Kaitlyn gets on your nerves I know you would have her back when it really mattered.

I hope you will come to know that you did not let Celeste down all those years ago. And you did not let me down either. So I hope you will stop beating yourself up over that.

And finally I hope you have fun. This is an exciting time in your life so embrace it and don't be afraid to try something new.

Your future is bright kiddo. Thanks for making me a mom. I miss you being that little baby all those years ago, but at the same time I'm loving watching you experience all of these exciting things.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Happy 14th Birthday

Dear Kaitlyn,
Wow! You're 14. What an important year this is going to be for you. You will graduate from middle school and move onto high school and really begin to pursue your dream of being a hairdresser. I can't remember a time that you didn't want to be a hairdresser.

You made it! You got into the school you wanted to, and not by chance. All because of your hard work and perseverance to overcome whatever life throws at you. I think this is what I admire about you the most. When things don't come easily to you, you push through it and try your best. You have to work harder than anyone I know at certain things. And it has paid off for you. All that hard work and good behavior got you into the school of your choice and I just know you're going to excel there.

Don't ever get bogged down in I can'ts because you have proved time and time that you can. You absolutely can do whatever you put your mind to. Anyone who tells you otherwise you need to prove wrong.

As cliche as this sounds, the world is your oyster. It is what you make of it and I know you will make the most out of any opportunity you're presented with.

Happy birthday to my sweet Katie Kiddles. May you forever and always know how much you are loved.

Love always,
Mommy

Happy 5th Birthday Alyssa!

Dear Alyssa,

Well, the day finally arrived. The much anticipated 5th birthday. Perhaps this day wasn't all you expected it to be. I mean you're not five feet tall yet. But I hope it was a good day.

So now you're five. Really just like one of the big kids. You have been embracing this all. Growing and learning so many new things. You have overcome every challenge you have been thrown in life with a beautiful smile on your face.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what this year brings for you. Well, honestly, I always look forward to hearing what crazy thing you're going to say next. You are always making everyone laugh with your over-the-top sayings. I never know what you'll come up with next. You keep me on my toes with your spunk and zest for life.

As much as I would love to keep you little forever, I know so many great things are to come for you. So I hope you keep putting yourself out there and trying new things with lots of fun and laughter. Life is better when you're laughing and you make everyday a better day with your sense of humor.

Happy 5th birthday to my sweet baby girl. Fly high little one.

Love,
Mom