Happy 19th Birthday My #1 Son

 Dear Chris,

 What a wild ride these last 19 years have been. Please bear with me as I learn to look at you as a man and not my little boy. Sometimes I look at you and I can't help but wonder where has the time gone. I miss all of the stages from the mellow infant, to the goofy toddler, and the curious fun-loving boy.  And now that you are fully an adult I stand here in complete awe of you.

 You are really turning into such a fine young man. You might act cool like things done faze you or are no big deal, but I see you. I have always seen you. I know it matters. I see how proud you are when you accomplish things and how bummed you are when things don't go your way. And what I also know is that you are so very capable when you put your mind to things.

I have been so proud of you this year, completing high school and getting this new job as an auto mechanic technician. I love seeing how confident these things have made you. I know, like I've always known, that you are going to do good and do great things in this world. Seeing it all begin to happen for you fills me with so much mom pride.

Keep growing, keep doing, and keep learning. Make good choices and remember to take a minute and think before you act. Keep working hard and dreaming big. Keep being kind and quietly helping others without any expectations from them. Keep doing great things. 

I love you with all my heart. You still and always have been my greatest early birthday gift ever. Happy 19th birthday, Chris. Do great!

 Love always,

Mom

 

Happy 15th Birthday Alyssa

 Dear Alyssa,

You made it! You're halfway to 30. Congrats! What an exciting year this has been for you. Finishing middle school with high honors, starting high school with just as much gusto as you take on in everything school-related. In case you didn't know this, Alyssa, you are amazing. I'm not just saying that because I'm your mom either. So many people see that in you and gravitate towards you. You have such a quick wit, always with the quick comebacks. You are so smart and so funny and so empathetic. I'm always blown away by the little cues you catch up on that people are giving out, and how you can bring your unique brand of funny and bluntness to make someone smile or make someone pay attention.

I know last year was a really rough birthday. I hope we can turn things around for you this year. You're growing so fast. I know you keep asking me what I think about you being my last baby in high school, turning 15, about to embark on driving and joining the work force. Honestly, I can't believe it's here already. I am looking forward to all of these exciting milestones that are coming for you. There's so much to cram into these next 3 years with you before you graduate and really begin to pursue your dreams. I'm not sure how we'll get to it all. But I will tell you this, I will cherish every single moment of it. 

You are going to do amazing and wonderful things in this world, Alyssa. I have never ever doubted that about you. You just keep on being the fun one. Keep trying your best and working hard and so many doors will open to you. And it's okay that you don't have it all figured out right now. It will come with time and experience. So try new things, explore and have adventures. The sky's the limit. Happy 15th birthday Lissy. Love you forever and always.

 

Love always, 

Mom