Happy 9th birthday! Your final year in single digits, your approach to tweendom. I am constantly saying (usually with teary eyes as my children laugh) how quickly time flies and before I even realize you'll all be grown. And, it's true. But, somehow, with you, your actual age confuses me and the whole concept of time. Because Turner, you have always been beyond your years in so many ways that, sometimes, it came as a nice reminder that you were only 8 when we so often thought of you as older.
Turner, this birthday comes as all the others, too quickly, almost without warning. But, unlike each one before it, this birthday marks a significant milestone in your life's timeline. Today is the halfway point of your childhood, the median between infancy and adulthood. Prior to this day, the moments whizzed passed us, creating memories of coos turning to giggles and then to fully belly laughs; crawls becoming awkward steps before becoming long-stride gallops; emerging sounds that eventually formed into words before developing into sentences then ideas. It all went so quickly. Ahead of us lies your journey to adulthood; your body will grow, your mind will expand; I hope your hugs stay the same. Your legs and arms will lengthen, but time won't. Soon enough you 'll be taller than me, wiser than me, the one in charge. The second half always seems to go faster than the first. I just want to reach out, grab you, and hold you back- just a little. Maybe just slow you down. But I wouldn't. I couldn't . Not you. You have too much to offer and so much to share. You thought outside of the box before you even knew what a box was and you'll continue to offer the world, particularly those of us that think the world of you, so much joy that slowing it down is both impossible and unfair. This moment in time, this halfway mark, all I can do is pause, stare at your round and gorgeous face, see the baby boy that once was, tattoo it again on my mind, kiss those full cheeks, and hug your still small(ish) body. Then, life will continue at what will seem like double time, and I will marvel as you morph into the man you'll become, a gentleman I know I will be so very proud of.
8 was great in so many ways, even if you often acted as an 11 year old. You had an amazing year of growth. You cultivated a fantastic group of friends - the crew, the squad, the meatheads- and when you're all together we are amazed at how great your group is. You were disappointed going in to the school year that none of your boys were in your class, yet your friendship with each of them has stayed intact while you've had an opportunity to foster new friendships with other boys as well. Making friends has never been hard for you. After spending the summer at camp with Jagger, you and he are still good buddies, and your squad of boys is Alex, Greyson, Chase, and Michael. And, there's Jake and Gavin and James and James. And, of course, there's Ethan, he's your friend, your brother.
The Squad
You've found passion in both playing and watching sports, and have risen to the status of biggest sports fan in the house. You love to watch all of the Philly teams, and all of your brothers' teams as well. You'll watch with an analytical eye and discuss the plays, the errors, everything afterwards. You know stats and figures and who is in contention for MVP. You know team records and which team is playing who, when. Sometimes you use words that I don't understand. But I'm trying to learn too. We find that you will know a random sport fact and when we confirm it with Google you are always right. It's amazing to see the depths of your passion. You love the Eagles and Carson Wentz. You love the Sixers and Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. You love the Flyers, in spite of them sucking, and Wayne Simmonds is your favorite player. Whenever you watch Chase or Ryder's teams play you watch with the same discerning eye and have the same discussion of errors and nice plays. You like to get opinions on who is the best player on any particular team and have your own opinions ready to share. Your favorite birthday gift from your friend was your 200 football cards! Yes, indeed, Turner you are an avid sports fan.
Happy with your football cards
As for playing sports, this year you were a 3 sport athlete. After participating in Beach Blast last summer with Gavin B you loved soccer and wanted to play again this year. Although you were on a team that didn't win one game I was extremely proud of your season. You hustled, you were aggressive, and you played some nice soccer. You also chose to play goal tender. You did very well and if you could get some real training you will do just fine. You are also playing basketball again this year, and are, once again, on the team with your squad. You guys are so good and so much fun to watch. It's amazing that there can be so much talent within one grade at one small school. Yet there is. And, this year, you learned to play lacrosse and will begin you first season in just a few weeks. I am excited to see where you go with this sport. The sky is the limit with you for sure.
Your first soccer game
Receiving your medal at Beach Blast
And, as deep as your passion may be for sports, you're not a "jock." You're an athlete, sure, but your personality, at its core, is not jock. You're kind and sensitive and thoughtful in the most endearing of ways. You have a creative side, and have also learned to play guitar this year. Although you're doing well with it you could certainly afford to practice more. ;). You still love to break out in song or dance and I still love to see it happen. You went to your first concert this year, Green Day, then a few weeks later followed it up with your second concert, Imagine Dragons. Both were awesome and you loved it. You like to play games, play cards, or cuddle up and watch a movie. You still like to give and receive hugs and I hope this is something that never changes. You like to climb trees, ride bikes, go fishing, and play outside. You like to just play. I love that about you.
First Concert- Green Day Revolution Radio Tour
Imagine Dragons concert- Evolve Tour
This year, on one of your many fishing excursions with your brothers and the Van Aken's, you had an accident that, now that you're ok, is sort of funny. When Ryder went to cast his final line of the day you walked in the path of his cast and he hooked the biggest fish he ever caught....YOU. He hooked you right in the shoulder blade. You handled the whole incident amazingly and even when we tried to take the hook out, and dug into your skin, you were brave and you were strong and you never once blamed anyone. You had to go to urgent care to get it removed, you endured one stitch, and we were grateful it hooked your back and not your precious fae. You still love to fish and this story is one we will tell forever.
At school, in 3rd grade, you have Mrs. Cerra. She is so nice and you absolutely love her. At school you are a true gem. The first thing Mrs. Cerra said about you at conference was "KIND, KIND, KIND" and I could not have asked for anything more. She said you are so nice and so helpful to everyone and show true signs of leadership. This makes me so proud. Not just a leader, but a kind one. You bring home "caught being kind" notes often and people are starting to learn they can really count on you. You like math and are learning multiplication. You like learning science this year. You are working hard to improve your reading and I am optimistic you will get where you need to be. You spent the first 4 weeks of school at the top of the Dojo classroom leader-board and though you continue to get points regularly Mrs. Cerra has decided to award other kids too. You're a pleaser and a doer, making school a place where you find great success. Keep it up, my boy!
Your birthday party this year was once again celebrated during Winter break. In typical Turner fashion you announced last April, after spending a half day of school's afternoon escaping a room, "this is where I want my next birthday party!". And, so we did. You and your boys all successfully escaped before the squad came back to the house for a sleepover. We served your favorite- tacos (your crew calls you Taco Turner), ice cream sundaes, and sweet and spicy chili Doritos. The night was spent playing Madden and NBA Live on X-Box, playing mini-hockey, and talking football and doing football trivia. It was so much fun. Unfortunately, we had to move your family party back a week as we all are recovering from illness, but we spent your birthday at a hibachi lunch and watching Chase play hockey.
You escaped the room with 3 minutes remaining
A room full of escapees
Happy 9th birthday
The tradition continues with Hibachi lunch
By the numbers, you are now 53.5 inches, over 2 inches of growth since last year. You weigh 90 lbs. You wear a size 3.5 shoe. Your growth is not slowing down.
Turner, you have always been your own person, and you should be proud of that. You are the reason we all know the rules; you're the reason we know where things are; you're the reason why things get accomplished, as you always are the first to offer a helping hand. This bothers you sometimes, that not only are you the first to help but sometimes the only one to help, but try not to let it, because being your helpful, kind self is who you are and you should be proud! You are fun, and funny, and love to party. You are well aware of your surroundings, pay attention to details, know the answers to anything that you've been taught, told, or overheard. You are empathetic and thoughtful and easy most of the time. Although you LOVE to instigate your brothers, and often to tattle on them, there is no doubt in my mind that you love all 3 of them with every bit of the deep heart you have. They love you right back. The bond the 4 of you share is amazing and can't be shattered by constant bickering even if it makes dad and I a little nuts.
Band of Brothers
Brotherhood
Like your big bro
Always making your baby brother laugh
Brother to brother
As you turn 9 and begin this second half of childhood I wish for you so many things. I hope you continue to try and learn new things. I hope you continue to dream big. I hope you continue to put music to your thoughts. I hope you retain the piece of magic within you that makes you the special kid that you are, one that everyone loves to be around, the life of the party. I hope you continue to be thoughtful and make good choices. I hope your sense of humor continues to mature and develop. And, mostly, Turner, I hope you stay true to yourself in all that you are and all that you want. I hope you know I support you and trust you and am so very proud to be your mom.
Happy birthday, buddy. I love you so....
Mommy
9 year old interview
Your first Flyers game and meeting the amazing Brian Propp
Growing into the birthday shirt- not so big anymore
This is each of the boys at age 2. Not necessarily in life, but in these 4 photos I see Chase and Decker looking similar and Ryder and Turner. What do you see?
This morning, while I was still lying in bed, I was presented with the Facebook memory of your 5th birthday video. This very day, just 3 years earlier. You were magnificent. Magnificently beautiful. Magnificently adorable. Magnificently hilarious. You spoke, while grinning with delight, with confidence and humor and a sense of wisdom beyond your years. You were still 4 at that moment with just hours remaining until you were the "whole hand." Your eyes were filled with warmth and sunshine and happiness. Your voice was raspy with imperfect words. Your thoughts were pure and real and amusing and, somehow, even profound...for a pre-schooler. Watching it brought me right back to that moment and I was delighted by the memory.
Then, when I thought about it, I was delighted all over again. Because, Turner, you are still very much that same boy. This is proven not only by your same selection of favorite colors (that includes nearly the whole rainbow) but is proven everyday in the person you are. You are that same sweet, smart, funny kid. Your face looks exactly the same, your mannerisms are still as precise, and you're just as thoughtful and calculated in your words as you were then.
8! 8 is my favorite number and, perhaps not by coincidence, my favorite age. Eight is the brink of big boy hood while hanging on to the end of the little boy life. 8 gets jokes told by his big brothers while still enjoying some of his baby brother's toys. 8 is independent and capable yet still needing cuddles and attention. 8 is full of conversation and opinions and also full of hugs and kisses. 8 has friends and social activities but doesn't need entertainment all of the time and isn't expecting a full social calendar. 8 has more confidence in his abilities and is more willing to try new things. 8, as they often say, is great.
You are now in 2nd grade. Your teacher, Mrs. Rowan, left on maternity leave in November and Mrs. Demusz has taken over. You seem to really love 2nd grade and have settled in nicely to your friends and school life. You like math and usually do pretty well with it but struggle a bit with your reading, something we are working on. We celebrated your 8th birthday, over Christmas Break, with your school friends at a really awesome virtual reality gaming center. Everyone had a great time. I love seeing you amongst your peers. Then, we will celebrate with the family on Sunday.
In so many ways you are still the same boy you always were. There is nobody I can count on more than you to lend a helping hand or to know which way is up or where something is or where it belongs. There is no one who knows the rules better or insists more that they be followed (even if you yourself don't want to always follow them!) You love to run errands with both daddy and I and just want to be involved and be included. You are curious and ask a lot of questions, and you often force those you are asking to think deeper and wider. You are wise and have an intrinsic understanding about the world. You love to sing and to dance and to listen to music and have been known to stop what you are doing just to bust out a few moves or a few lines Of song and then continue on with whatever it was you were doing before the music in your head started. You like to play games and you like to be with us. And, Turner, we all love to be with you, too.
In the recent past you have gotten more competitive and more aggressive and more physical, which is a change from the 5 year old who played soccer and would not dare try to take a ball away from the other team. You started playing basketball this year and are having so much fun. You love going to the practices and love to practice at home and tell us what you learned. Your first game is coming up this weekend and you are, we all are, very excited. Your team consists mostly of 2nd graders from Richboro Elementary school so it is even more fun for you to play with your friends. When we play basketball at home you have a good shot, aren't afraid to get in on the play, and have been known to win Knockout and Horse on many occasion.
You are also considering playing baseball this coming Spring. We will have to see what you decide....speaking of decisions, you are still not a very good decision maker. Your indecisiveness is based on your desire to never disappoint anybody and I think you are worried that you could choose "Wrong!" There is very rarely a wrong choice in the decisions you have to make and you will never disappoint by choosing what is best for you instead of deciding based on what is best for others. But, that is who you are, considerate, empathetic, concerned and thoughtful. These are not often traits found in children yet these are exactly the traits that make up a large part of who you are.
In the coming week you will begin guitar lessons, a hanukkah and birthday present given to you by so many. You have been asking to play guitar for some time and I am excited for you to begin. Not only do you have a love for music but you have a way of committing yourself to your passions and becoming determined to be great at whatever is. I hope you find a real connection to the music world and guitar becomes a thing you love.
You seem to make friends easily and get along well with most people (except for Ryder, at times!) and though you have a long list of 2nd grade friends (Chase, Grayson, Michael, Gavin, Alex, Billy, Zachary, Jake, Jagger, and Bram to name a few,) you are most often found hanging out with and interacting with the 5th graders. Many of Chase and Ryder's closest friends consider you a friend, too, and it is pretty amazing to witness the bonds that you are able to form.
You are a little brother that loves to instigate and show your muscle when necessary, perhaps reminding your big brothers that you are not so little anymore. But, you are also a little brother who looks up adoringly at his big brothers and knows just how lucky he is to have them. And, don't worry, buddy, they don't always say it, but it is clear that they know they have a very cool and awesome little brother in you.
As a big brother you make every effort possible to take care of Decker. Toddlers can be difficult, particular in ways, and yet unable to communicate their needs. But, even if Decker makes it tough, you continue to show him that you love him, are there for him, want to help him and teach him and just want to be with him. It won't be long before the two of you are outside playing together and the bond you two will have will be like no other.
I haven't had you to the doctor yet for your well check up but you still seem to be on the taller side for your age (and a little on the heavier side, too!)
Turner, you have always been a special little guy and no matter how old you get and how big you are I am confident that you will continue to hold on to that little piece of magic that makes you the special person that you are. I hope that your kindness continues to grow, your sense of humor continues to flow, your eyes continue to shine, and your mind continues to expand. There isn't one day that goes by that I am not so very proud of everything that you are and I will always support you being whoever it is you are going to be.
Another year has passed us by and now my baby boy is 7. A 7 year old, who is in first grade, is almost as tall as his 9 year old brother, and has shoulders that are broadening and a chest that is thickening. I was only half kidding when I put you to bed tonight and told you that you may wake up taller than me.
You are a special boy, Turner. There is really nothing else to say. You have this way of making those around you feel special and lucky and engaged. You make eye contact and appreciate each moment that anyone spends with you, and it shows.
You make friends, easily. You are social, and fun, and bring an element to the party that is missed when you are not around. And, yet, you are independent and mature and O.K. all on your own. You know everything, but don't ever act like a know it all. But, if I am looking for something or need to know some information about our household, I can always ask you and be sure to get the right answer. You are structured, yet not too much, and like order, but are not obsessed by it. You are silly, and smart, and always have a dance move in your step and a song in your voice.
At school you have Mrs. Delfini. Some of your school friends are Gavin, Chase, Jake, Alex, and Greyson. Although you fight incessantly with Ryder it is because you are very much like him and share similar interests. You have a bond with Chase that doesn't need to be discussed, it just is, and although you love to tattle tale, it is clear you adore them both. You don't let them get away with giving the younger brother a hard time and definitely dish it right back at them.
You are an amazing big brother to Decker. Your care and concern is evident each time you look at him. You take him in your arms and never hesitate to tell him you love him or tell him how cute he is. So often you greet him with "Hi, gorgeous face!" Your empathetic and thoughtful way makes you a natural big brother and you never think twice about making sure he is happy first. I admire that about you. It is just who you are. You care about other people and other things and make the effort to satisfy those around you. You are a terrific chore doer and are my number one man when it comes to offering me help. You're not scared of hard work, nor a little elbow grease, and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Your party will be on Sunday, celebrated with The Great Holtzie. This is a party you've been waiting to have since you were 4, when Chase and Ryder had him at their party. I told you then, "when you are in first grade" and don't you know that as soon as your party was brought up this year you said "I am in first grade, I get Great Holtzie." That is how you are. You don't forget things that are said and expect follow through. We need someone like you living in this house, for sure.
You will dabble in sports when all of the boys play but you have not, yet, shown too much of an interest in playing organized sports. Maybe that is not for you. You do take piano lessons, though they are bi-weekly so progression is slow, but you seem to enjoy them and are diligent about what you learn. Earlier in October you had a little recital. You did a great job, as we would expect, and you looked so handsome.
Although you don't talk about it, and it is hard because Ryder gets so much attention for his skills, you are a pretty good drawer. I hope you will continue to practice the art form so that you can become a talented artist, as well.
You're a unique and wonderful kid. At 7 years old you are 62 pounds and 48.5 inches. You are getting bigger and thicker and your back is spreading every day. You have a loud speaking voice and often need to be shushed but also have an endearing smile and contagious laugh. You are quick witted and clever and don't miss too much of what's around you. You're street smart and showing signs of being a good student.
You're my baby, now and forever, as I like to tell you often, but there's very little baby left in you.
Last Shabbos we celebrated Avi's Bar Mitzvah. He was amazing, and mature, and he looked handsome. I always love, more than most things, when our family gets together. Near and far gathered for the simcha and I enjoyed being together and having the boys spend time with their cousins. Although I am sure there are pictures out there, I took none. Eventually, they will surface.
But, Saturday night. While the bar mitzvah boy was partying with his friends, many of us gathered at Aunt Barb's to spend time together and, mostly, with the out of towners.
This picture was taken and I just love it. Cousins are always the best friends you'll have.
Chase (9), Ryder (9), Turner (6), Max (2), Layala (3), and Lily (5)
-A robe, which may have been his favorite thing, Thank you Aunt Amy, Uncle Jay, Delaney and Madden.
-Lego sets (thank you 90% of the people who celebrated his birthday)
and, Piano Lessons.
So, with the help of Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop, Mom-Mom Jill, and Poppy, (thank you, all), Turner began taking lessons. Beginning slowly he just went every other week and thrn conflicts (both by us and the teacher) caused us to skip many weeks in between. But, he kept going. And, before long came his first piano recital. 10/9/2015
Well-dressed, well-practiced, and bursting with a shy excitement, he got up in front of an audience and performed his first three songs.
We are so proud of you, Turner. Keep practicing, keep learning. We look forward to the next one.
Today is the first day of school. This year I send off two fourth graders; neither of which look like the same kid who went off to third grade now that they have broader backs and hairier legs, both of which are really excited to be a part of the "upper classmen" (despite being the youngest grade of that echelon.) I am also sending a happy go lucky first grader who is thrilled to be in the same school, all day, with his "upper classmen" brothers. It's another back to school, not exactly the same yet very similar to all of the other first days I have had for the past 8 years since Chase and Ryder began as little pre-schoolers in the 2's program. I sent them off like it was no big deal, not even aware of where their classrooms were physically located, not even sure of their classroom numbers. Yet, none of them cared. They didn't even ask. Big men on campus can find their own way.
So, I am making like it is no big deal, and yet, inside of me, my heartstrings are getting tugged. I wish all of that tugging was an effective abs exercise. It's not! It should be a momentous day. I should be, like all the other moms, writing fancy signs on chalk boards and engraving Turner's first day of first grade permanently into facebook memories. No signs or to do necessary it is permanently tattooed in my memory, for sure. Really, what I should be doing is tying my kids to the very tree we took pictures in front of and not letting them go. Not ever. Because I have a baby in first grade and that just seems wrong. And, way too fast. And, because, I have 9 year olds who are sprouting into their tween years without looking back, practically without a wave goodbye. And, because I look at Decker and see his mostly toothless grin and his drool, and know that before too long he will be on that bus, his brothers "catching rides" to high school with their buddies, and I will have wished I did tie them to the tree.
Believe me. They needed to go to school. The hours between Friday and today seemed nearly endless as the boys bickered over everything. Anything. "My half of bagel is smaller than your half of bagel." "NO, I got the shorter haircut. It is SO shorter than yours." "I am not taking the first shower, you go first," to name a few. But, there were more. So. Many. More. And, each time, the bickering got louder and echoed more in my ears, I wished a bit harder for Monday to get here.
But, here it is. And, off they went. As they do. With little thought beyond seeing their friends again, and who will they sit next to in this new class. On to the bus their biggest gripe was that Turner still has two recesses while the twins, upper classmen that they are, only have one. Off they went. And, I held my baby and watched them go, grateful they would be apart from each other for the day and sad, so sad, they would be taking another step forward, further away from their childhood. And, from me.
I'd never hold them back. I am raising them to do exactly as their doing. And, yet, I look at them go. I feel the tug on the heartstrings (still no work on the abs), I look at the tree, and I do sort of wish I had some rope.
