Dear Asher: 5 Years

Dear Asher,

Happy birthday to our funny, silly, smart, loving five year old! 

You handled all of this year's changes and uncertainty with grace. The biggest change for you this year was school. With the pandemic still in full-swing, we decided to create a small pod for you, Elnatan, and Adam. We hired the most amazing teacher, Morah Sharon, who taught you math, English, Hebrew, holidays, and more. You baked challah every week, you crafted, you went for hikes, you learned to like dogs...and so much more! We are so lucky that you got to spend your last year in pre-school with a fantastic group.

It's so hard to believe you'll be heading to Kindergarten this fall. You're ready though! You can now write your own name and have even started recognizing some sight words like mom, dad, Zahara, son, sun, cat, and more. Sometimes to get my attention, you'll even call out "M.O.M." It's very fun to see you starting to figure out reading.

Your math skills are growing too. You love asking what numbers add up to and solving equations like 2+2 or 4+4 on your own. This year you've also gotten more excited about science. You got a science kit for Chanukah and you conducted countless experiments with it. You'll make an "experiment" out of almost anything--dirt, worms, food.

And while you're getting so much bigger and more independent in a lot of ways, you're still our little boy. You love being around us, which I know won't last for ever. And as much as we love being with you, sometimes, Asher, you just need to go to the bathroom by yourself without me or daddy reading you a book!

What can I say about you and your sister? The truth is that you guys drive each other crazy. But, you also really love and care about each other. When you're not fighting, you actually play so well together. Daddy and I love seeing that side of your relationship, and we hope that continues to grow.

Asher, you are a true joy to be around. You are constantly telling us you love us, making up songs about how wonderful we are, and smothering us with kisses. You camp counselors tell us there is no staffer who doesn't love you. It's so delightful and I hope that never changes.

Happy fifth birthday Asher! We can't wait to see what this next year brings!

See Asher's other birthday wishes here.

Dear Zahara: 8 Years

Dear Zahara,

Happy eighth birthday! I said it last year, and I'll say it again: what a year it's been. Reading your letter from last year highlights the journey we've been on for the past 18 months. Last summer, there were still so many unknowns about the year ahead. Would you return to school? Would the pool open? Would there be vaccines? While there are still many unknowns, this summer we are returning to a bit of normalcy. We are all grateful for that!

Though Covid is still impacting our world, you are doing an exceptional job navigating all of the changes. Zoom continued to be the norm this year. You were in virtual school for the majority of the year, returning to campus (and meeting your teachers for the first time!) in late fall. That was only for two half-days a week. It took another few months before you transitioned to two full days, and then finally four full days a week. It was hard for all of us, but I loved our time as co-workers. I already miss our Kabbalat Shabbats together.

One highlight of the school year was carpooling with your classmate Zamir. You two were the cutest! Listening to your banter was amazing. Big news for you this year is that you got glasses--real ones, not just the blue light glasses above! As the fashionista you've become, you've incorporated the glasses with style. You chose these two pairs for yourself, and you did a great job.

You're still an avid reader. You're reading in the 98%, which is just astounding! You just finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book 5) by yourself. We read the first four books together, so I'm a little sad you did this one on your own, but it's just part of you growing up.

You and Asher are continuing to get along well, for the most part. I love watching you fill the role of big sister and show him the ropes. Whether it's in the swimming pool, on a hike, with electronics, you're right there to help him out. I also love listening to your imaginative play together. You often play pet and owner, family, or teacher and student. I'll let you guess which roles you play in each of these games.

Last year we were fortunate that the pool did open and it's open again this year. Once again, you're a little fish! You are a great swimmer, earning your deep-end status. 

Have I mentioned your strong personality yet? I say it every year, and every year it's just as true. One day, Zahara, you're going to rule the world. I never worry about your future. Ever. You don't take no for an answer and you don't suffer fools. You know what you want, though you don't always do a great job of communicating it. We're working on channeling your passion, emotion, energy, and willpower into forces of good. 

Zahara, I love our conversations, our silly dances, our inside jokes, our reading time. Though I may not love every minute, I really do love being around you. You're fun, funny, smart, empathetic, energetic, and so much more. I can't wait to see what this next year holds. Love you lots!

See Zahara's other birthday wishes here.