You're a teenager. Holy cow! You're of an age now where I can very distinctly remember what I was like at your age. And happily you're not not like me at all, (in a lot of ways, anyway!) But one way that you and I are alike is that we definitely enjoy our alone time!
Ever since I told you what an “introvert” is, I think you find it helpful to have a word to explain how you're feeling. And being an introvert myself, I’m very aware of how hard it is for you to get out there and be social with other kids when people can be so exhausting sometimes! So I try only nudge you when I know you’d hate to miss whatever is going on. Like a middle-schoolers only bowling trip with your friends. (I think you were glad you went!)
But there's no doubt who your best friend is. I know you try not to play favorites with the cats but Hermione has chosen you as “her person”. She loves the way you play with her. You can throw her toys just right so that a lot of the tine she can actually catch them! A lot of mornings when I go in to wake you up, she’s snoozing on the bed with you.
And she’s your constant companion as you do your homework.
Speaking of homework....you don’t love it. Seventh grade is a little nuts. But you work so hard and we’re so proud of how well you are doing. You’re teachers think you’re as awesome as we do. Your crazy long bridge project is still hanging on the wall of your geography teacher's classroom. (I think he underestimated what kind of paper goods that the daughter of two architects had access to!)
While you have a great attitude about school, summer will always be your favorite. Sunshine, swimming, sailing, summer really is the best. Sailing at Piers Park has become your favorite two weeks of the summer. I love the confidence it’s given you!
Last year, we came to the realization that biking on two wheels is probably never going to be worth the effort or the risk. But biking on three (or four) wheels is something that you love to do! Now that you’re (probably...) close to fully grown, we’re going to find you a trike that will allow us to take bike rides together. The bike path in East Boston is so close, and so nice! I love watching you cruise around, you clearly love it!
Even though we can still dream of summer, it’s still very much winter. And that means basketball. This is your third year playing and to be honest, this season is a little rough. You guys have only won one game. And it’s getting a little harder for you to hang with kids that are bigger and stronger than you, kids that have two strong hands to catch, grab rebounds, wrestle for jump balls. I admire you for getting out there and trying. You’re pretty much the bravest person I know. No matter how difficult it is, you wouldn’t dream of not getting out there and trying.
Before I had kids, I had no what what it would be like to parent an older kid, but it's pretty awesome. We can watch Stranger Things, Saturday Night Live, and PG-13 Movies. It's so much fun. You have an awesome sense of humor, even when it takes a dark turn...like when you troll your poor sister who's home sick.
You are joy, Maddy! Now that you guys are getting older, we're excited to explore the wider world. I'm pretty sure you'll be up for anything! You have a wonderful sense of adventure!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
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