Sweet Sixteen!

My baby peanut is *16*!!! 💙

Dearest Sofi,

It's so cliche to say it but honestly, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??!!

How did we get from here...

To here already?...

It's hard for me to express how much I enjoy being your mom. Sure, there are hard days, and sometimes we fight and drive each other crazy and need a break from one another. But those moments never last very long, and we *always* find a way back to one another quickly, with a hug and a laugh. 

Seeing you grow into yourself, your own person, is the most gorgeous thing I have honestly ever witnessed. In most of these posts, I repeat that my hope for you and your sister is that you will never forget who you are and will be the best versions of yourself that you can be. And that is precisely what I see happening -- and I couldn't be more proud, relieved, joyful, excited for you.

Some of your current favorites:
Trying out new cuisines - at the moment Mexican (Mexi-Cali) tops your list but sushi's always a favorite too, spending time with your friends and family, swimming and your swim team friends, hanging out with your sister when she's not driving you nuts, laughing, watching The Rookie or S.W.A.T. or Castle all together as a family, improving your times at swimming, funny instagram reels, experimenting in the kitchen, finding new fun snacks, your cousins, dancing and listening to music, sleeping, hanging out in your room, one-on-one time with just mommy or papà, shopping for new clothes, peace (yours, ours, the world's).

Some of your current dislikes:
Having to wake up early, when you don't like what we're having for lunch/dinner, when papà or I are angry with you, when your sister is driving you crazy, injustice of any kind, hearing details about violence, cruelty and cruel people and snobs, people arguing, not knowing things that you want to know, having a lot of homework, being put in a "box" by people thinking they can define you.

Sofia, you are just one of the best people I have ever met: you are honest, you wear your heart on your sleeve, you are kind and generous and funny and silly and so smart and empathetic and you have the most beautiful way of seeing the irony in the world and in yourself. I absolutely love spending time together - chit-chatting, hanging out, laughing, sharing reels, eating snacks (yes I will always help you find one), and just discussing pretty much any topic. I love how you know you can come to me with any question, any problem, any insecurity.

I can't believe how lucky I am to be your mom and to have borne witness to these past 16+ years. Enjoy this next one, Peanut. And know that me, Papà and Sami are *always* here, that we will *always* see you and know you and appreciate you. No matter what.

Love and hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Samina's 13!

My dearest Pookie,

As I'm writing this, I'm listening to a song that always reminds me of you.

Wildflowers, by Tom Petty:

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worry
You belong somewhere you feel free

My baby girl is turning 13!

Having two teenagers in the house is so much more joyful and fun and gratifying than I ever imagined it would be, and that is thanks in part to your hilarious, generous, perceptive nature. 

Not only are you a dedicated, hard-working, self-motivated student, but you are a loyal sister, trustworthy friend and just truly a delight to be around. My biggest hope for you and your sister has always been that you would stay true to yourselves and - besides you unfortunately (and hopefully temporarily) abandoning your flamboyant fashion choices - you have done just that. You know exactly who you are, and I admire you so much for it.

Some of your current favorites:
Watching Castle/S.W.A.T./The Rookie on the couch all together, your phone and tablet, skin care and makeup, shopping (especially trips together to Tigotà and Tiger), spending time with your family, packing your bags and travelling, sushi, snuggles, not having to do homework, Dr. Pepper, candy, learning Tik Tok dances on YouTube, getting good grades, board games, family traditions - especially Christmas and birthdays, being free.

Some of your current dislikes:

Having a lot of homework, not feeling like you're ready enough for a test, group projects where your team members are not very motivated, when your sister bosses you around, having to clean up, cutting your hair, talking about your feelings, when someone doesn't show you respect or treats you like a baby, throwing things away, getting in trouble, anyone fighting or raising their voices, not getting enough down time to rest, eating fish, getting lectured.

Your generosity of spirit, your laugh, your drive to be a good person, your quick wit and hysterical take on the world around you...being around you is pure sunshine, even when you are in a bad mood or feeling particularly teen-angsty. I love having you as my little buddy and I know you will only continue to grow into an even truer version of yourself as the years go by - and I can't wait to see what extraordinary things the future will bring for you.

I am proud of you beyond words and am filled with gratitude that I get this front row seat. We love you, Pookie bear, no matter what - never ever forget it.

Welcome to the Teenajerk (ⓒSamina) years!!!