To My Birthday Boy

An Ollie Tale

Where to begin? Ah, yes. Concerning Ollie. . .

Ollie's are happy, jolly and love to eat. You prefer to be comfortable and cozy, rather than run off and have adventures.

Thus making you a hobbit of sorts. . .

I can't believe you're 11. You've always been older than you are and it's still so fast that you're growing up. Last year of elementary school! You and your friends who keep you competitive have graduated! You've had so many months of making up stories, pictures, songs, retellings and plays with them. Amazing group you have to keep each other on your toes. Kind of a milestone to thing that I have walked to pick you up from school for the very last time. ("The eagle is flying for the last time.")

While I think you have a good dose of being the darkness in you - you love the dark rooms, the villians, the stories and songs that make you cry - but the joy you find in those things is nothing but pure light.

You are so big and have always been an old soul. You see things other people don't, things other kids don't. 

You have gotten so good at using your voice - saying what you need or want even if it makes you nervous. Like when we got you a new bed - the loft bed you climbed into each night, and you had it for a good 6 months but you really, really didn't like it. So we talked about being in a place of privilege to change it. And you said how it was really hard to say how much you missed daddy cuddles and how you would like a regular bed with the mattress you liked. So we were able to change it up. Because your used your voice.

The way your brain works and your creative ability - trumpet (never have to play it again!), singing (your ear is INSANE), making up songs (you get this from your dad and I can't wait to see what you come up with next) that stick in our heads for days or YEARS at this point. Or also when you come up to me and say "Do we have baking soda and vinegar? I want to blow things up." 

You're so big and grown but at the same time you're so small still. You're one of my favorite buddies to sing with - no matter what kind of music, we are awesome as a family and I love singing Hamilton with you! I love that, the other day, you texted me, "The sandman passed me by and I can't get to sleep" from The Rocking Chair song I used to sing to you every night as a baby. And I came in and we finished the song and you said, "Mom, it's like the original Alexander Hamilton!" What's your name, Ned!?

I love your style - your long curly hair, your business shirt, your WWE t-shirt! You love to be cozy and comfy and you have a great eye for flashy fashion.

Speaking of WWE, you went to a show with dad! It was so much fun and you did a great job in a very busy and people-filled event. I love seeing you share this subject and passion with him.

When we went to Hawaii, you had such a good time. You had your first coconut. you loved the beach and waves and playing with your cousin and brother at Kings and Queens Marketplace. 

You're stubborn and sassy and clever and smart and an amazing kid and I can't wait to see what adventures we all get into this coming year. Complete with second breakfast, elevensies and the other four meals when we can get them.

It's been an incredible year, I'd do it all over in a heartbeat, there and back again, for sure. Thanks for choosing me to be your mom.

All my love, 

Your mama

To My Birthday Boy

Oh sweet boy. What a wonderful, hilarious, joyful, exceedingly blissful year it's been. What do you think of your life so far? It's hard to believe that, twelve years ago today, I was just going in for one of your last checkups only to find you'd be joining us in the world a few short whirlwind hours later.

THIRTEEN. I cannot believe you’re 13. Where does the time GO. Every single year. Every single year when I go to write this, I think, "That age, that cannot be right." 

You are so grown up. You are as tall as I am. Even when you're not trying to be on your tiptoes taller than me. It’s gonna be weird in a few weeks to no longer be the tallest person in the house. I held that title for 17 years and now it belongs to you. CRAZY.

You must have grown while you sleep. I am so loving having a teen who is SUCH A TEEN. You sleep like a cat and are always a little sleepy and hungry and getting snacks at 11 pm at night.

You’re tall, yes, but you’re also so many other ways of grown up. You have your own style. You like your hair long and your tee shirts plain. You still rock a cardigan like a badass. You can almost always be found with your headphones on.

You listen to Tenacious D and Eminem and Avicci and open to lots of kinds of music. Our eLEEts playlist is a sing at top of lungs joy for you and us all. Your voice has changed and your love of performing has not. Your concerts this year have been so fun to see the progress and growth of your classes as a whole and you as an individual singer. You got to perform the national anthem at a mariners game! THAT WAS SO COOL TO SEE.

You love to draw and oh my gods are you amazingly good at it. It brings you so much joy and you always look so happy and intent as you bring your creations to life.

You love video games and from what I hear you’ve gotten better at most of them. Your communication has, too. Yes, you still scream but it’s more funny than panic.

You are patient with the dogs even when Jasper tries your patience. They have helped you learn to be calm and try things to help them even if it doesn't work all the time.

You are able to communicate locate with me and dad calmly and thoughtfully in ways we weren’t able to do before. You are able to tell me what you want and we work together.

You are clever and hilarious. Your comedic timing is truly coming along so nicely. With the burns you give, we should always have aloe around.

We went to Sun River and you lived in the sweatshirt you got there. Ice cream and cousins and pool and family, what a great trip. 

We went to Lompoc again. Pool 24/7. Uncle Cody and Aunt Jill and dogs and pigs and horses and sun. You love the airplane snacks as much as ever.

You got to go with Peter to a family vacation without mom and dad and did great. You had so much fun and so many stories to share.

We went to Hawaii and you loved hanging out with your cousin and all the gelato and sleeping and outings.

You have an amazing sense of justice and protectiveness over those you love. Your brother, your cousins, your family and friends, all are lucky to have you in their corner. You fiercely love those you love. It’s always been true and it’s only grown with you.

You’re just so happy. You tell me you don’t want a lot because you have a lot.

I learn so much from you. Your heart and your kindness, your stubbornness and your determination, your understanding and your genius mind - you're an amazing kiddo and teen and tiny human.

I think you’re a great, cool kid and the best son a mom could ask for. Stay kind, stay curious, stay little and stay kind, even when the world seems against you, work to change it. Tuck on in next to me and tell me about your drawing and building and newest joke. You're my most favorite Felix in the whole world. I know I say it each year, but seriously, best year of my life.  

All my love, 
Your mama