Jodi's Personal Blog
Monday, January 8, 2024
The last of my 40s
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
How is Sofia 14??
Dearest Sofi,
Welp, here we are at 14! (somehow I missed a year and never posted for 13 - SORRY!!!)
Sometimes I catch a glimpse of you in your room or while you're concentrating on doing something important and I feel breathless...you are so poised, so beautiful, so grown and yet still my little Peanut. I love everything about you, even your stubborn head and fiery disposition which sometimes get us into trouble.
Your current favorites:
Sushi, being with your friends, finding your own style, experimenting with skin care and makeup, hanging out with your sister when you're actually getting along, having good friends, Gilmore Girls, Schitt's Creek with the family, being with family and friends who are family, hanging with your cousins, rollercoasters, hanging out in your room, Boba, experimenting in the kitchen, going out to restaurants, sitting shotgun in the car, music, swimming and your swim team group, sleeping in, being silly, cuddles.
Your current hates:
Having to wake up early, when I cook boring food, when papà or I are angry with you, when your sister is being annoying, when I dance in public, injustice of any kind, scary movies, when I am being too nosy, when your sister gets involved in our discussions (unless she's taking your side haha), going to doctors, feeling judged, cruelty and cruel people.
You are open-minded, kind, loyal, generous, curious, responsible, intelligent, joyful, empathetic, strong, self-aware, thoughtful, motivated, honest. You are 100% yourself - I don't think I've ever seen you pretend to be someone you're not. And watching you be fully yourself brings me such joy and relief and delight! You are a true force of nature, my baby girl. I hope you always remember that.
May this 14th year bring you new, amazing, sweet adventures and friendships and joy. This next year is sure to be very challenging (first year of high school, here she comes!) but there is no doubt in my mind that you are fully capable of handling it - and I promise that we will be there, through all of it, to help you where you need it, to celebrate you, to support and love you.
Happy birthday, sweet Peanut! You are so loved.
Love,
Mommy (and Papi and Sami)
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Future You
I worry about this world you have to live in.
As the rain runs down my window and the thunder claps, at me.
Will you splash in the puddles, worry about your white sneakers?
Will you think of me as you wake up from a mid-day nap, on a hard fought day off?
Will you pick up your phone to text but think twice and rest it back down on your kitchen table?
I worry that the world's edges are too rough for you.
I worry that I have made you too rough for the world's edges.
I close my eyes and see you, driving your second-hand car, distracted at a stop light.
I see you bounce your head to a familiar song, sunglasses shining on a July day.
You are alone in my future memories of you, but I don't know if that's by choice (yours or mine).
You smile, but it's a tired smile, that mixes with a yawn.
I think about what it would have taken to get you to this point.
The fires that had to be put out.
The standing around and holding back. The silence endured.
In my mind's eye, you change the radio station.
The light changes, and you drive off.