Happy 15th Birthday Mercedes!

Dear Mercedes,

How has an entire decade and a half passed by in the blink of an eye? It seems so difficult to remember you as a small baby (although there are certain things you never forget, like how clingy you were, the terrible sleep, the awful bouts of teething, the overwhelming feeling of never really knowing what we were doing), but also, it seems unfathomable to me that you’re in your second semester of high school, picking grade 10 courses already, becoming more and more independent, boyfriends and volunteering and new friends and taking accountability for yourself in ways that make me so proud. You handled all of your assignments in your first semester with ease, and while we don’t know your final marks yet, they will be good - you managed deadlines and studied for tests and showed up for yourself in ways that you didn’t always through the tumultuous final years of elementary school (thanks Covid). A year ago, you never would have taken it upon yourself to talk to the guidance office about your courses, but a few weeks ago, you casually mentioned at dinner that you actually wanted to switch your geography class for a different section to avoid some uncomfortable drama with ‘friends’ - and you’d already made an appointment with the office and handled it all yourself! These small moments may seem so insignificant to you, but they are stark reminders of the fact that you’re growing up to be a confident, self-aware, empowered young woman - and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see it. Now if I could just get you to do your own laundry, that would be great.

So of course we’re proud of you for all of those little things, but above all else, I’m just so thankful that I get to be your mom and walk beside you as you continue to learn and grow. I actually LIKE spending time with you. I love going for drives and blasting Taylor Swift, and hearing about your friends and what’s happening at school and biting my tongue when some boy plays with your feelings. I love that you feel comfortable enough to tell me about the big things and the little things alike, and that you actually want to spend time with me too. It’s a privilege and an honour to watch you grow older - and while I try real hard not to think about the fact that in a few years you could potentially move out, I also know that if/when that happens, you’ll be more than just fine. You will thrive, in whatever you put your mind to.

Love you bunches Shmeecee.

Mum (aka Bruh)

Happy 11th Birthday Holden!

Dear Molden the Bolden,

11! Last year felt big, because well, double digits. But this year feels like we’re marching even further into pre-teen territory and it’s a bit scary for me! I know how to deal with pre-teen/teenager girls, because I was one. But dealing with boy hormones and issues? Uncharted waters here. I can see some of the changes happening - the desire for more privacy, the reluctance to talk about certain things, the moodiness. But you’re still on the cusp of it all, so you also still love to snuggle on the couch under a blanket while we watch a movie and hug me goodnight. I’m holding on to whatever ‘little boy’ you have left in you while I can, while also relishing in how much more mature you are growing, right before my eyes.

You’re still the coolest gamer I know (even teaching your big sister how to play Fortnite), and you take great care of your fish and the cats. You do well in school and your teacher had great things to say about your quiet maturity in class, and how you’re truly a well-rounded kind of kid, which I am so proud of. I’m just proud of all of it. I love your sense of humor and your hair and your freckles and your appetite and how you kiss all the cats goodnight and laugh at your father’s terrible jokes and roll your eyes while we serenade you with Taylor Swift. You’re such a delight, and you always have been, and I can’t wait to see what this next year and beyond has in store for my special boy. 

Happy Birthday once again, to the best Christmas surprise we’ve ever gotten.

Love,

Mum

Happy End-of-School/Graduation!

It’s hard to believe that another school year has come and gone… and even more surprising than that, is that we now have a high-schooler on our hands! I think it’s probably only in hindsight that we can all recognize how truly special this past year was – for the first time since March of 2020, the school year felt… NORMAL (despite Covid hitting our household in February). There were no zones. There were no attendance restrictions. There were extracurricular activities and assemblies and field trips and hot lunches and the fun fair – which, much to my sadness/happiness, you all attended with your friends, and without your parents. I’m thrilled that it happened, excited you all wanted to experience it with your friends, but a little wistful that we’re not needed/welcomed in the same way anymore. I had no way of knowing that June 2019 would have been my last ever elementary school fun fair – but I’m glad that you were all able to be there with your besties.

And of course, there was a graduation. Mercedes, I’m so incredibly thankful that you were able to truly celebrate this occasion with joyful abandon. There was a beautiful dress and new shoes and nails and hair and even matching bracelets and flowers with your best friends. I’m grateful to the entire team of Grade 8 parents who were able to organize such an amazing after-party for you all – with décor and prizes and a DJ and food and a professional photographer (and even a food truck serving funnel cakes on pickup!). We’ve downloaded the pictures/videos now and because there were no phones allowed at the event, it’s clear how much you all just immersed yourself in the celebration. Singing and dancing and games and so many smiles it made me teary to watch. Some might say that Grade 8 grad isn’t much of an accomplishment, and it’s true, they don’t really hold anyone back anymore. But it’s still an important transition and marks the end of TEN years at this school. When we first moved to Barrie, we were very deliberate about which neighbourhoods we were looking at. We researched the subdivisions and their allocated schools and made a careful choice, knowing that we had no plans to move again while you were all in school. And now, you’ve done it – you started at HCPS a very shy, quiet, 4-year-old, and are leaving a much less shy, much less quiet 14-year-old. You have a great group of friends and have learned so much, and I’m so thankful to watch the way you’ve blossomed over the past few years. There’s a lot of anticipation around starting high school (especially at a state-of-the-art school that is only a few years old!) – more freedom, more new people to meet, but there’s also more pressure and more responsibility too. I have no doubt that you will continue to find your way, and it goes without saying, we’re always along for the ride.

Holden and Lexi – you still have a few more years to go, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen incredible changes (and growth!) in both of you as well. Each month that passes it seems you both have more hair, more freckles, more friends, more wisdom, and more independence. It’s such a strange feeling to not be needed in the same way anymore (now it’s mostly food, rides, and money) – but it’s also gratifying, because each independent step you take means that your father and I must be doing something right. Above all else, we’re so proud to see you both continuing to mature and love watching you both absorb the world around you. Lexi – seeing you ace every assignment with nonchalance reminds me so much of myself it’s scary. And I love how you’re quietly but determinedly forging your own path and your own style. Holden – the way you fully embrace your interests makes it impossible for us not to be supportive (who wouldn’t want to encourage your YouTube channel filled with aviation stats or your endless bike rides to search for frogs?).

Above all else, we just love seeing you all develop your own interests and joys and passions – and we couldn’t be prouder to be your parents. Keep doing amazing things – here’s to a relaxing summer and then it’s on to Grades 6, 7 and 9!

Love,

Mama

Lexi - Happy 12th Birthday!

 Dear Lexi,

A dozen years of knowing you and just when I think I couldn’t possibly love you more, you do something that makes me even more proud to be your mom. I know it’s hard being a middle child, and I know it’s hard being 12 – not really a little kid anymore (but you still love to wrestle with your brother like puppies) and not quite a teenager yet (despite the daily mascara wear). But as always, you seem to just plow through headlong. You are by far the most independent of your siblings, always wanting to make your own meals/snacks, baking alone, cleaning your room, organizing the pantry or your bathroom, always finishing all of your homework/assignments on time (seemingly effortlessly), never forgetting to put your elastics on your braces before bed each night.

It’s a pleasure watching you navigate your life and school and friendships and changing fashion and doing it all in your characteristic Lexi way. Quiet but loud, calm but feisty, loving but witty, snuggly but strong, athletic but artistic. You embody the perfect balance of someone who is grounded, sensitive, empathetic, loving, and above all, determined to do things her own way. And I couldn’t be more thrilled to see how you evolve as you become a teenager and beyond. Whatever life holds for you, I’m so glad to be along for the ride, and I know that you’ll kick butt no matter what.

Thank you for being you – I couldn’t be prouder to get to be your mom.

Love,

Mama

Family Vacation - Puerto Plata March '23

This past week marked only our second time ever taking you kids on a plane. The last tropical vacation we had was back in 2017, and it was an entirely different vibe! Super fun, but you guys weren’t great swimmers and couldn’t be left unsupervised for… really anything! Holden kept falling asleep in his dinner, someone always had to go to the bathroom, you all needed help at the buffets, etc. So we were super excited to take you all back to the Dominican as much older kids who could fend for themselves.

Back in August (right after our Sauble Beach vacation) we booked this awesome two-bedroom family suite, which came with a bunch of upgrades like room servic and private restaurants/pools, private concierge, etc. We knew going in that it was a slightly smaller resort than ones we’d been to previously, it was a bit older and more outdated, but the reviews were fairly positive and we got a great deal on this suite that could easily accommodate our bigger family. However, 13 hours before we were set to depart, Air Transat called to tell us that they no longer had our suite available and we’d get two rooms side-by-side. We were furious. And heartbroken. And furious. Did I mention furious? Thank goodness for our travel agent, who spent HOURS on the phone to fight on our behalf to ensure we got what we paid for. We didn’t, but we made the best of it with our two rooms side by side (and a pretty sweet partial refund). Regardless, we were away, together, on a beach, with unlimited food that *I* didn’t have to prepare!

Once we sorted out those pesky details, the rest of the trip actually went fairly smoothly! The flight was easy, the resort staff was absolutely incredible, the food was good, the beach was gorgeous, and the weather was perfect (not a single drop of rain the entire time!). I had also been nervous going into the trip because of course, 12 days before departure, Holden got Covid. And then Daddy. And then Lexi. Surprisingly, Mercedes and I were the only ones left standing but I was terrified that we’d get sick while away and miss out on some of the enjoyment of our long-awaited, very much-earned vacation. And then… I did get sick, right before we left, which actually turned out to be strep and a chest infection! Apparently I finally relaxed so much that I relaxed my immune system at the same time. Leave it to me to NOT get Covid from three of my immediate family members, but instead get strep for the first time in probably 40 years!

So yes, there were hiccups along the way, but if life the past many years has taught us anything it’s that we need to roll with the punches and keep going. And that’s exactly what we did. And all in all, we had a fabulous time. There were shows and endless amounts of food. Cold, slushy drinks and the beach. Finding coral and a birthday spa visit. Hours and hours of swimming and playing in the pool, including water aerobics and dance parties and volleyball. There was teaching you guys how to play pool, and foosball, and table tennis. There were card games and so many books read. And above all else, there were a LOT of laughs. I’m so thankful we made it out there, despite those hiccups, and I’ll treasure those memories forever.

Here’s to many more vacations with my beautiful family! (Only maybe without the covid and strep and overbooked resort next time.)

Love,

Mama

Mercedes - Happy 14th Birthday!

Dear Mercedes,

Fourteen years ago you came marching into this world and changed the lives of everyone around you. Not only did we birth new life… YOU created new roles for the rest of us. All of a sudden, I became a mother, and Daddy became a father. You created a Bubie and a Zaidie and two doting aunts, and even a great-grandmother and a GREAT-great-grandmother (and although she died shortly after you were born, it was the absolute greatest pleasure of her life that she was able to fulfil that role, however briefly). Such is the power of first-born children. And with that power comes the knowledge that you are our greatest experiment. I have no idea how to parent a fourteen year old – this is all new for all of us! But I’m not scared, because I have the best kid in the world to figure it out with.

I could not be prouder of the person you are growing up to be. Of course, you’re beautiful and exceptionally smart and witty. But you are also kind. And loving. And affectionate. And giving. During your parent-teacher conference this year, your teacher told us that you were a “quiet leader, and a great asset to have in the class,” which makes me more thrilled than any grades you could possibly ever get. I love hearing about you volunteering to help with younger classes and set up the gym for assemblies and work to collect Christmas Cheer items, etc. It’s truly amazing to see you blossom into someone who is confident with her friends and her likes/dislikes, but also willing to lend a hand, open to hearing/discussing hard things, able to take a stance on issues you feel strongly about – and, make sarcastic jokes and accept the teasing that is an inherent part of being in this family.

Something MY father always said to me that stuck, which perfectly sums up how I feel now, is that I LOVE you, because of course I do – I made you! But I also actually really LIKE you. I WANT to spend time with you, watching tv and snuggling together, or reading side by side wrapped in a blanket, or going for drives to take sunset pictures, or wandering the mall and finding the perfect outfit. Spending time chatting and hanging out with you fills my cup in so many ways, and I just hope that as you stride further forward into the teenage trenches that you won’t forget how much you enjoy hanging out with ME too.

Happy birthday my gorgeous lovebug!

Love always,

Mum

Holden - Happy 10th Birthday!

Dear Holden,

It’s crazy to me that 11 years ago we had no idea we would ever have another baby, and then one year later, there you were, completing our family in the best way possible. You, with your thick, curly hair and amazing freckles and cute little nose and gap-toothed grin and quirky sense of humour, remain to this day the best Christmas surprise anyone could have ever asked for. You are everything we never knew we always wanted – complete with armpit farts and penis jokes and loud burps at the table and the best laugh I’ve ever heard when you don’t know we’re listening.

It's hard to believe that you are already 10 years old – for starters, I don’t feel old enough to have been a parent to three for an entire decade, but also, it’s hard to fathom how quickly time flies and how much you’ve grown in the past year. You walk back and forth to school alone, you hang out with your friends (ok, mostly online but whatever), you spend a LOT of time in your room (again, online with your friends), you have the best computer set-up in the house, you are a Fortnite expert, schoolwork seems to come easily to you, you have no problem helping yourself to a giant bowl of cereal at any time of the day… you’re growing up right before our eyes and it’s sad and scary and wonderful to see, all at the same time.

But no matter what, I’m so unbelievably proud of the boy you are turning into and can’t wait to see the man you will eventually become. I have no doubt you will continue being funny and smart and quirky and loving – just maybe try to be a *bit* nicer to your sisters (or like, acknowledge their presence when you see them at school, please).

Love you forever and ever,

Mama