Happy 18th Birthday Chris

 Dear Chris,

 

Over the last few weeks as we have approached your milestone 18th birthday step into adulthood I have really been reflecting over the years.  This is a very exciting year for you and a very bittersweet one for us as your parents. While I look back and sometimes miss the days of you saying everyone was 40, calling yourself Mr. Awesome or Chris Danger or your cute toddler voice questioning very innocently "Who said shit?" I am also looking ahead at your future.

 

You have such a bright future ahead of you, but I have to admit something to you, Chris. Right now I am terrified of you going into adulthood. Because the thing is I know I have so much more to teach you and prepare you for, but I also know how ready you are to spread your wings and fly from the nest. And trust me, we want you to do that more than anything because we know you are going to do amazing things, but we also want you to not make some of the mistakes we have made along the way.

 

And look, we know it's all a part of growing up. You have to make the mistakes to learn, but I do hope you'll hang in there with us a little bit longer and understand every single nag about your grades or argument about getting up and getting on the bus is because I love you and I do know the world is a cruel place. In order for you to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be, there are certain things that if you do them the right way now it is just going to make it easier for you in the future.

 

So I'm asking you, my dear son, please bear with us as we navigate these waters. Yes, we've done the step into adulthood twice before, but this is our first time with YOU. And as you loved to declare as a very little guy, perhaps not so modestly, you are awesome. But with that awesomeness comes great responsibility. So please try to heed our advice. 

 

Senior year of high school is such a fun time. So do take time to enjoy it, but work hard. Graduation is so close, you can reach out and grab it and it's another bittersweet milestone that this year is going to bring for us. 

 

Please understand, we love you so much and really do only want the best for you. So please try and have a little patience with us and we'll try and do the same with you. 

 

Happy 18th birthday, Chris. Welcome to being an adult. Be prepared to spend the rest of your life missing the good ol' days of being a kid, lol.  Remember, no matter what we will always love you and have your back!

 

Love, 

Mom

 

 

Happy 14th Birthday, Alyssa

 Dear Alyssa,

I don't know how it's possible that my last baby is going to be starting high school this year. But here we are, wrapping up middle school and choosing what high school you'll go to. I know this is a tough choice. You want to be with people you know, but you also want to pursue all of your interests. Listen, you do not have to pick your career path now. You have lots of time to figure all of this out. Follow your heart. In the end I think you know what's best for you.

This year has been filled with lots of changes, and I know it is not starting off the greatest. But we'll get through this hiccup and there's so much to look forward to this year. Your sister's wedding.  Your 8th grade dance. Your 8th grade graduation. Starting high school. I think this is going to be a good year for you.

So keep your head up. Keep looking forward and keep on working hard. You are so smart and so witty. We never know what's going to come out of your mouth and most of the time it's usually something that makes us laugh, or gives us a really great story to tell for years to come. I am looking forward to getting to correctly celebrate your birthday when Dad gets home. And I know he is too. We love you so much. Happy birthday, Lissy Loo.

Love always,

Mom