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Showing posts from March, 2016

Toothy Fairy

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Dear Avery, Last night you lost (read: ripped out) your second tooth ever. You were understandably excited-the novelty has not yet worn off. You went to sleep excited for a visit from the tooth fairy. As uber prepared as I was, when Alex was going upstairs to sleep, I asked him if I could borrow some cash. He gave me a  $10 (in exchange for two $20s - that kid is definitely going to be successful when he grows up) and went to sleep himself. Now it's time for me to go upstairs. I quickly cut a note into a cute heart shape, write some sweet words and slip the note and money under your pillow in place of the envelope containing your tooth.  Back in the light of the hallway, I see this: It's 10:45 on Monday night and you want a toy, not money. Kill me. So I scrounge around and find a leftover gift from Five Below that never quite made it to you on Hanukkah. It's a Heli-ball, kind of like a mini drone and I know you won't be very excited to receive it. But it's a

One foot in each world

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Dear Alex, Today you turn twelve.  I know it seems cliche to write that I remember being twelve myself, but I really do.  I remember how sixth grade and middle school is a really big deal.  Something about getting yourself between classes and packing your backpack and even walking out of school and deciding if you are going to go home or somewhere else.  It is a step change in the amount of independence you have. I think, no, I know that you love this independence.  This perhaps most defines your twelve year old personality.  And I'm trying, I really am, to let you be this mini-adult.  Give my kid his freedom.  This is the "foot" you have in the soon to be a teenager, growing up too fast world.  I let you choose and spend time with your friends, go where you want to go.  The good news is that for the most part, you just go to each other's homes, spending time playing computer and video games.   But there is also this intense need to be liked (in the form of soci