Holy cow we officially have a TEENager!
I really can not believe we have been parents for 13 years, and you are like a real man-child!
The last year was dicey at times. Lots of moaning and groaning. Awkward hugs. Lots of feelings of indifference and annoyance. Lots of moments of me wondering what the hell you were thinking and wondering if your brain was working. But at the same time, being in awe of the young man you are becoming, enjoying watching you grow up and become more and more independent and watching you figure out who you are.
You are not a big fan of school, but love hanging out with your friends, VR, Xbox and croutons. You recently discovered that you can DoorDash anything and would do it every day if I let you. You are so funny and kind, and despite sometimes being an annoying, mean big brother, you love your brothers dearly and I know I can count on you when I beg and plead you to help-ha! It is a fight to get you to wear warm clothes and right now, all you will wear are Vineyard Vines shirts, You have SO MUCH HAIR. Although I do not get a lot of one on one time with you, when I do, I love it so much and feel like it energizes me.
I'd like to think that we have prepared you for this, but just in case we didn't drill these things in enough already, here are a few things I want you to remember. Trust yourself We have spent the last 13 years teaching your right from wrong. You know what things you are allowed to do and you know the things you are not. If something you are doing feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your gut. Think things through and make good choices. Always be kind. Tell the truth and dont make excuses if you make a mistake-own it and learn from it. Learn how to apologize. Remember your family is always here for you, no matter what. Ask for help if you need it, it does not make you weak. Remember that just because you are a teenager now and think you know it all, there is still a lot to learn about life. Your dad and I were teenagers once too and always, always, always here for you.
I can not believe that I was lucky enough to be chosen to be your mom. I am so lucky! It is so fun watching you grow up. I do wonder sometimes who this mini-man is that wears the same size shoe at me and has this deep voice, ahem, shaves already (even though you did try and hide that from us for while), is asking to invest in cryptocurrency and controls his own social calendar. But boy, do I love you too much and can not wait to see what the next year brings!
Welcome to your teens! There will be downs as well as ups, of that you can be certain. Just know that I’ll be watching on, trying not to get in your way too much, but always there to catch you or give you a little nudge if you need it. Enjoy the ride.
Happy birthday E!
