Sophia turns 13!

My Dear Sophia,

Thirteen. There are certain birthdays that feel like markers, and this is one of them. Not because everything suddenly changes overnight, but because it gives me a moment to pause and take in who you are becoming — and who you already are. And Sophia, you are a remarkable young woman.

What stands out most to me is not just what you do, but how you do it. You are a good sibling — patient, playful, and steady in ways that matter more than you probably realize to your mom and I. You are a good friend — the kind of person others feel safe with, the kind who shows up, listens, and makes people feel seen.

You have this beautiful instinct to be intentional, especially in the way you give gifts small and big. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift, or a small gesture, you are thinking about how to best love those in your life. You pay attention. That is a trait you should keep for life.

I’ve also watched how you open your heart to others, especially the children who come into our home through foster care. You don’t hold back your kindness. You make space. You make them feel welcome. You make them feel like they belong. That kind of compassion will shape lives in ways you may never fully see.

You are growing into someone we can trust — whether it’s caring for younger kids as a babysitter, showing responsibility in your schoolwork, or simply carrying yourself with a quiet confidence. And yet, alongside all of that, you are still full of fun and life. Your laughter, your energy, your ability to bring lightness into a room, those are gifts too.

As you step into your teenage years, my prayer for you is not that you would rush to grow up, but that you would stay grounded in who you are: kind, thoughtful, joyful, and strong. There will be moments ahead that stretch you, and moments that test you, but you already have within you the character to meet them well. That you remember that you can like what matters to you, and be kind to others, even if friends around you make a different decision.

That you don’t grow out of dance parties with your siblings, or valuing time with your mom at things like mother daughter camp, or asking me random questions when you get home from school. Although I could do with a few less random questions when you are 45 minutes past your bed time. 

I hope you continue to be someone who welcomes others, who gives generously, who loves deeply, and who finds joy along the way. The world needs more of exactly who you are becoming.

I am so proud of you, Sophia. We love being your parents.

Happy 13th birthday.

Love always,

Dad

Jayden turns seven!

 

Hey Buddy,

Happy seventh birthday! It’s amazing watching you grow into such an active and busy boy. This has been a special year--the year you learned to swim without your life vest, the year you started devouring books (especially The Big Book of Knowledge with your mom before bed), learned to ride a bike even with a coordination disorder, excelled at ninja warrior, and the year you showed just how much love you have to give — especially to any dog that comes within petting distance!

Your love of Pokémon runs deep, and I love how confident you are when you tell me about your favorite characters and Pokémon trainers-- it may be your favorite topic of conversation. You also showed such a gentle heart this year when we had little Logan with us until he went to live with his pre-adoptive parents. 

Jayden, my prayer for you this year is that you keep learning how to be a good friend at school and to your siblings. When you are in a good place with them, it is the sweetest, but that can turn on a dime, and I would love for you to feel confident enough in yourself to step away for a few minutes, and then come back to reengage.

I hope you keep flashing that sly, sweet smile as much as your face allows before your cheeks get tired, and laughing out loud at movies on long car trips, or at potty humor in a book you are reading. You love to be silly, try to tell jokes, and love to wrestle, and be tickled.

I am hoping that in the coming year we can figure out how to help handle your occasional emotions rollercoaster--even when you’re feeling really mad. I am here for the journey and to walk alongside you.

Love you always and I am so proud of you,
Dad

 

 

Jayda turns Seven

My Sweet Jayda,

Seven. I can hardly believe it. Somehow you keep growing right before my eyes taller every day, and your loud, joyful laugh fills every room. You shine, Jayda, not just because of your beautiful long, curly hair, but because of the way you bring joy and energy wherever you go. Your pants are basically for one day use, given all the time you spend sliding and crawling as part of your play time.

This year, you learned to swim without your life vest, ride a bike, and embraced reading. I love watching you take so much pride and accomplishment as you have learned. You and Jayden have shared so many sweet moments together, playing with Magna-Tiles or building forts together, or looking over each other’s shoulders at a book.

You were especially welcoming for little Logan when he came into our home. The way you cared for him showed such big-sister love- joyful, and full of heart.

My prayer for you this year is that you’ll keep learning how to navigate those big feelings that sometimes seem bigger than you are, and that you’ll discover how strong and kind you can be even when plans change, or things don’t go perfectly, or friends don’t follow your leadership. And please keep giving those running hugs that fill people up with love, but give them a heads up, especially if they are over 75, so you don’t knock them over! The world needs every single one of them.

I am so proud to be your dad.

Love,
Dada