6-Year-Old Love Letter

My sweet Wessy Bug,

Your 6th birthday is your self proclaimed triple golden birthday. It's widely acknowledged that turning 6 on the 6th makes it your golden day. You noted that you have 6 letters in your name, creating a third layer to the magic of this particular year. We spent the weekend in Suncadia to celebrate and it was a wonderful time together as a family. 

You love playing Minecraft, doing LEGOS, baking, being outside, remote control cars, riding bikes and drawing. Your art is one of my all time favorite things. You're frequently presenting daddy and I with pictures you've drawn or leaving little illustrations on my bed for me to find. You travel with your notebook so that you can doodle in the car or on vacation. You like watching someone else play Super Mario Oddessy on Netflix. In UNO, if you have good cards and know your victory will make for a short game you hold them back to keep it going, you'd rather keep playing than win. 

Your chubby baby days are behind you and you're suddenly long and lean. The doctor was concerned that you were too slim at your last appointment, which is laughable because you were such a massive baby. You are a foodie and enthusiastic about which entrees you enjoy. Your favorite dinner is chicken and rice, mainly because of the rice. You're always willing to take an adventure bite and "joey!" means that you like it. 

You love school and consistently try your best when it comes to your work. We got your first report card a few days after your birthday. You did great but I noted a "needs improvement" in the following school and classroom rules section. My first thought was it had to be a mistake. You are such an obedient child I couldn't fathom you not adhering to the rules. When I followed up with your teacher she said you often talk when she's teaching or when you're supposed to be working silently. Oh okay, that makes sense. You never stop talking.

A friend recently told me that middle children make the best spouses and thinking of you I emphatically agreed. Being loving, kind, silly and accommodating will serve you well no matter your age. You tell me every night that I'm the best mom in the whole world and you couldn't have any mom expect me.

Thinking back to the day you were born there are so many traits that have been there all along. You've always been willing to go with the flow and quick to joy. This is a signifcant year as you're spending more time with your peers and less time with your family. I pray that no matter how hard it is to be in the world you can always return home to a space of true love and belonging. You are such a special part of our family and I love the six year old you with all that I have and all that I am. 

Happy Birthday, my sweet Wessy bug! May your 6th year be full of loving and learning. 

xoxo,

Your Loving mama 

Thanksgiving 2020

We spent Thanksgiving week 2020 at the Cove with Uncle Chris, Auntie Kari and the girls. Having them as part of our pandemic bubble has been a true gift and their space in Eastern Washington is a lovely escape.

Chris and I cooked, we all ate too much corn dip, Steve, Paula, Pam and Don popped by for a glass of champagne outside, we watched the Macy's parade, zoomed with my family, and I had fun photographing a few of the kids at the beach. 

I find more ways to be thankful every year and am closing out 2020 the same way I began it, grateful. 

8-Year-Old Love Letter

My sweet Owen,

I love the 8-year-old you. 

Two years ago I bought you a backpack, packed you a lunch and sent you off to kindergarten. When you confidently climbed on the bus that September morning I thought our weekdays together were something of the past. That expectation was crushed along with many others in 2020. And now here you are, rocking virtual school in the comfort of our home. Wes is attending in person so it's you, Hazel and I during the week. 

As much as we would have all preferred a more typical year, having you home has been an unexpected gift. You have been working hard, responsible and independent doing your virtual learning. With the beginning of second grade, you matured exponentially overnight. You have a fantastic teacher and are making steady academic progress. I enjoy being more involved in your schooling and seeing exactly what and how your teachers instruct you. You've always loved to be home and have truly thrived being remote. Your progress in reading took a real hit in first grade but you've quickly gotten back on track this fall. You love being read to and are becoming a more confident reader on your own. The 13 Story Tree House and Dog Man series have been your most recent favorites. Math comes easily to you. A loving and encouraging teacher is critical to your success. 

In your 7th year, you learned to longboard and wake surf. You discovered Pokemon and Minecraft. Snack plates full of candy are your special thing and you love making them for the family. You get super excited about things and have a hard time waiting. Once a project has started you often lose interest quickly. You love to shop. As the oldest, your mood generally sets the tone for the day. You're still a snuggle bug and need time to connect. You're thoughtful, sensitive and tenderhearted. 

Out of necessity, I've started leaving you home alone for short periods of time. When I first suggested it, you were apprehensive. You told me you weren't comfortable with it and asked if I could drive around the neighborhood for a few minutes so you could see how it felt. I love your intuition and ability to express what you need. I did the neighborhood drive, set you up with a safety plan, and you loved it. Now you tell me I'm free to leave you home alone whenever. Another responsibility and right of passage checked off the list. 

Spending almost every day of the summer with the neighbors you have learned a lot about friendship. You told me one evening that "all friends get in fights sometimes." You've had your share of frustrations and managed it work it out. You've remained neutral when Chris and Ryan are at odds and took a stand when people were getting left out. When there is conflict you perseverate on it and really try to understand why people are acting the way they are. You're doing Jujitsu twice a week and it feels like a natural sport for you.

You strive to be a leader and do the right thing. The extra time at home this past year gave you space to continue building your character influenced by our family values and not cultural norms. I pray that as you continue to grow, you know deep in your soul that you are worthy of love and belonging. As humans we are hardwired for struggle and life won't always be easy. But come what may, we are here to love you, cheer for you and see the best in you. Being your mama is the most sacred gift I've ever been given and I am more grateful for you with every passing year. 

Happy Birthday, my sweet Owen! May year eight be truly great.

xoxo,

Your loving mama 

Halloween 2020

Mandalorian, Special Operations commander and a Unicorn. No contact candy gathering. Sugar highs and excitement abound. 

The day after Halloween, per a dietitians suggestion, Ty and I let them eat as much candy as they wanted. They ate way more than I anticipated but it served the intended purpose. A week later the obsession was gone.

These three, I tell ya. They bring so much joy.