birthday – The Larissa Monologues

celebration, family, happy things, parenthood

Happy 5th Birthday, Alexandra

August 7, 2017August 7, 2017by Larissa3 Comments

I write letters to my children on their birthdays. Here is last year’s letter to Alex.

Dear Alex,

Five years ago we were surprised by your arrival. Born three weeks ahead of your due date, you were a tiny little thing.

And now you’re five years old. Full time preschooler and warrior girl. You are a wonder. You jump into life with such energy and exuberance. I love how you challenge me to enjoy life more freely.

This year was full of new things for you – a home in a new city, a new preschool that you love, getting a puppy, getting better at swimming and reading, learning hula. You also ate a live cricket, which your dad (NOT ME) fed to you.

You love making art and doing your morning pages. You enjoy helping with house chores, listening to stories, playing with friends, and making people laugh. Your personality is full of strength and zeal. I love seeing you grow and explore.

Happy birthday, Alex! Here’s to a wonderful year, my beloved daughter.

Love, Mom

celebration, family, parenthood

Happy 8th Birthday, Aaron

May 9, 2017May 9, 2017by Larissa1 Comment

I write letters to my children on their birthdays. Here is last year’s letter to Aaron.

Dear Aaron,

Eeee! You’re 8 years old!

Happy birthday to you, son. You are very excited to celebrate your birthday this year with an ice cream sundae party with friends and family.

Some memories from this year…

Our family went on a cruise in the Carribbean.
You and Dad did your annual camping trip together.
You dressed up as Steve from Minecraft for Halloween. The box on your head wasn’t very comfortable, so Grandpa carried it around while you were trick-or-treating.
Your aunts and uncles taught you how to fish at the beach.
I coached your soccer team, and you scored your first goal in our final game of the season.
You opened a bank account.
We moved to a new house in a new neighborhood. You changed schools, and made new friends immediately.
You got to watch Star Wars for the first time.
You got your own bedroom, and you love having your own space.
You started playing the ukulele. Now we have family ukulele lessons every two days.

You love playing games and working out math problems. Your current favorite books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. You enjoy playing outdoors, swimming, and riding your Razor scooter through our neighborhood. You are flexible with changes, and are growing into a thoughtful, kind, and strong person.

I hope that this year is filled with joy for you. I love the gift of being your mother, and am grateful for who you are.

I love you always.

Mom

family, happy things, parenthood

Happy 2nd Birthday, Aria

March 10, 2017by Larissa1 Comment

I write letters to my children on their birthdays. Here is last year’s letter to Aria.

Happy birthday, Aria!

Can you really be two already? Apparently so. You add such a wonderful dose of light into the world, it’s hard for me to remember what life pre-you was like.

You have a beautiful spirit that is curious, funny, thoughtful, and sweet. When you meet someone new, your first instinct is to befriend and charm. You have a wonderful imagination, playing pretend and making up your own language. When you get excited, you squeal with delight.

We have learned to always keep an eye on you because you get into everything. Once you opened the fridge, and dumped a whole container of bread dough all over yourself. Last week you figured out how to climb out of your crib. You certainly keep us on our toes.

You love listening to the “Mo-a-a” (Moana) soundtrack, playing with water, using the remote control to talk on the phone with your grandparents, singing the alphabet song, eating edamame, drawing on things you’re not supposed to, telling us that you want to “guh-buh” (buckle) yourself into your car seat, asking to be picked “uh-poo” (up), and giving really great hugs and kisses.

I love seeing your identity take shape, and hope this year brings so much joy for you.To watch you grow and learn and live is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given. You are deeply loved.

With all my heart,

Mommy