There is a teenager in the house

July 08, 2020

There is a teenager in the house

I'm usually really great with writing things out. It's one of the things that I pride myself on.

So, as I sit here, in front of the computer struggling with how to even start this, it's a bit surprising. But, here we go.

On October 31, 2006, I found out that I was pregnant. It was a whirlwind of emotions that turned into a whirlwind of sickness and hospitalizations and drama. Oh my goodness, the drama. That all culminated on July 8, 2007...thirteen years ago today.

Well known is the fact that I was never really sold on having kids. I just wasn't sure it's what I wanted. Little did I know that on this day 13 years ago, when YOU were born, so was I. So, I thank you for making me the person I was born to be, Jack. I quite literally couldn't have done it without you.

Your baby days were long and tiring, but so exciting. Watching all of your firsts and having the ability to grow as a mom and a person, while watching you grow and change was an absolute privilege. I often say that we grew up together...and we still are growing together, each and every single day. I miss those old days and think of them fondly.

You have turned into an amazing young man, Jack. You are such a unique person. You are sweet and sensitive. You are funny and love to crack (lame) jokes. You love music and love to dance. You love watching (nerd) shows with Daddy. You love Pokemon and dragons and legos (oh the legos). You are so passionate about the things that you love, it's such an admirable quality. You are not only a great young man, but you are a good human. You care deeply about what is right and wrong and have a very big heart. I love this about you.

You are very much the leader of The Four. They all look to you for guidance. You don't necessarily like that role, but you accept it and are getting better with it. Being the oldest isn't always easy, but it can be rewarding, so always keep that in mind. I love your relationship with Emma. She is your best friend. It's such an amazing thing to see, and this coming school year, you will be in the same school once again and you have NO idea how happy that makes me for both of you. You and Alex are two peas in a pod most of the time. He looks up to you and wants to be like you. Please continue to be a good example for him, he really appreciates it (so do I.) Your relationship with the Sassy one needs some work, but we will get there. Please know she loves you so much and you may just be her favorite person in this house. You have no idea how lucky you are to have siblings who genuinely love you and want to be around you. What a blessing.

Daddy has found his movie and tv show buddy in you. You also have the same sense of humor (grrrreat) so the Dad jokes flow freely between the two of you. You have always been his buddy, from day one, and to see the two of you these days, it makes me heart happy.

And then, there is you and I. You taught me how to be a Mom. Plain and simple. I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it weren't for you and I don't think I could every, EVER repay you or thank you enough. You taught me about unconditional love and compassion. You taught me how to fight my personal battles and later in life, YOUR battles as it pertained to school. You taught me patience, and when to let things go. You taught me when to stand my ground and not give in. You. You taught ME these things. All the time that I thought motherhood was about teaching my kids life lessons, when in all actuality it's quite the opposite; It's the kids who teach those life lessons. So, thank you for teaching ME, Jack. And I look forward to the future lessons that we will learn together.

Jack William. My pirate baby. My squid. My buddy. My Jackaboo. My boy, my joy. I love you more than could possibly imagine. You were the turning point in my life. You were the beginning of who I am today. I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how special that is to me. How special YOU are to me. I thank God for you every day of my life. You were an amazing baby, an amazing toddler, and an amazing kid. I don't know what these teenage years will bring, but I know they will be equally as amazing because you are you.

I love you so much, Jack. My baby. My teenager.