Barrett & Hunter,
So clichéd, but so true. How did this happen? Where did the time go? You’ve heard it all before, but it seems like only yesterday that we brought you both home from the hosptital. After your surprising and frightening early arrivals, followed by two months in the NICU, it took me a while to feel like a mom. I loved you both so much, but I was scared to death. The circumstance under which we all had to live those first six months certainly didn’t help, it was trial by fire! Honestly, the first year was such a blur that I don’t remember much, which makes me sad. And it’s been a roller-coaster ever since. I’ve messed up, but I’ve also learned so much. I have so, so, so much to express to you both, but lucky for you, your birthdays fall during such a chaotic time that everyone will be spared my ramblings. Just please know that I love you both more than I could ever have imagined was possible to love and I’m so damn proud to be your mother.
Thirteen – wow!
Love,
Mommy (or perhaps I’m mom now that you’re 13:( )
Happy Birthday to Hunter and Bear!! You are an amazing mom Allie. Wishing you all a fun, healthy and exciting first teenage year ahead!!
Thanks Sarah. Fingers crossed:)!
Happy Birthday boys, or should I say men! lol….Allie you are an amazing. You are very caring, calm and passionate in what you do. Nothing ever seems to stress you out, which is a HUGE statement for a mom. Your kids are so lucky to have these qualities passed on to them. Great job on your accomplishment and wonderful memories ahead of you and your family! Xoxoxo
Many thanks Christine, you are so kind! I appreciate it. I saw that it was Dani’s birthday yesterday, she’s grown into such a beautiful you lady.
Happy 13th birthday to the Hunter and Bear! Wishing you the best of luck during their teenage years Ali. They can be very trying years, but sometimes they surprise you and it’s not so bad. After all you’ve been through so far, this might be a piece of cake.
Justin said he’d love to give you guys pointers, just like you and Tracy gave him back in the day…ha..ha
Oh Lord have mercy! No, Justin, no! Seriously though, I was just starting high school at 13, and these boys seem so much younger than I did at that age. I think I’ve sheltered them too much. Time will tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. And is it too late to apologize for any parenting teenage angst I contributed to?
I think you have done a wonderful job and have to very handsome and nice teenage boys to show for it!! If I survived the 3 girls you can survive yours!! I have heard boys are easier…..enjoy every moment!!
Oh momma – don’t know how you did it with 3 girls. My one, at 9, is about to do me in!
I was reading your comments and I think Sonja seems so much younger than I did as well. Funny because in so many ways I feel they grow up faster these days, but I was also a freshman when I turned 13 and had done so much more than I think she has. Sometimes I wonder was I just a rotten kid, or am I naive to think Sonja is as innocent as she seems? Well we all do the best we can and I agree with all the other comments that you my dear are quite impressive. Not sure how you do it. Also need to add that you look adorable in this picture. 😉
I think our kids grow up in a faster world and definitely have to deal with more, because of technology and media…but we shelter them (and rescue them) more than our parents did. Or at least I do. By thirteen my eyes were wide open and my parents let me make my mistakes and figure out how to fix them. OF course the consequences back them seem insubstantial compare to so of the dangers now – if that makes any sense?