Lexi - Happy 15th Birthday!

Dear Lexi,

Fifteen! How has a decade and a half of loving you flashed by in the blink of an eye? I can remember all your tiny newborn goodness so easily (and I do mean tiny! You were small, but mighty and that’s never really changed). I am so beyond proud of the person you are, the woman you are growing into, and the kid that I just absolutely love hanging out with.

I said this in your card (and it’s something that your Zaidie has said to me frequently over the years)… I love you, of course. You’re pretty easy to love, first of all, and you’re my kid, so duh. But I also actually really *like* you. I like your opinionated personality, your unique taste, your eclectic music mix, your foodie aspirations, your stubbornness, your cleverness, your perfectionism, your sense of humour, your tenderness for the cats (and all animals). I like hanging out with you and watching house shows or laughing over something the cats have done. I like sitting on your bed and listening to you talk about your day or driving you around like a chauffer (did I mention stubborn?) while I discover new, interesting songs you’ve added to your playlist.

I am so proud of how you’ve adjusted to high school this year, because I know transitions and new situations are not always easy for you (and your marks are fantastic), but mostly I’m just so thrilled to watch you continue to develop into your own awesome person.

Keep being you and keep shining bright – we always knew you were a star, and every day, every week, every year, you continue to prove us right.

Love,

Mum

Mercedes - Happy 17th Birthday!

Dear Mercedes,

Happy 17^th Birthday! On a cold Friday the 13^th much like today, you made your dramatic entrance into this world, and truthfully the (delightful) drama hasn’t stopped since! It makes me feel incredibly old to be the mother of a 17-year-old, but you also keep me perpetually young at heart. Nothing fills my cup more than driving in the car with you, windows down, singing along to loud music, cracking jokes, laughing together, sharing gossip. I know that everyone LOVES their kids. And I do, I love you so incredibly much. But I also actually really LIKE you. Hanging out, laughing, shopping, going to concerts, snuggling and watching tv or crying at sad movies while sharing chocolate… it’s really some of the best moments of my life.

They say that teenagers pull away a bit as they get older – soon enough you’ll be moving out, off to spread your wings at university as a young adult and figure out your place in this world. And I do feel it a bit – especially now that you have your ultimate freedom in the form of a driver’s licence. You don’t need me as much, you have an active social life, we don’t have as many opportunities to hang out… and I’m ok with it, because I know it’s the way it’s supposed to be, and I absolutely love seeing your independence flourish. But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make a little sad that I don’t get to see your beautiful face as often. So please, life your live, enjoy having probably the most perfect adolescence in history – but also, don’t forget your dear old mom. Don’t forget about our concert adventures and movie dates and Taylor Swift and our summer drives – even if you don’t *need* me to drive you around anymore, I still *need* you, kiddo.

I can’t wait to see what this next year holds for you – your last year of ‘kid’ and your launching pad to university and beyond. I just know it’s going to be awesome, just like you.

Love,

Mum