Mommy Meltdowns: Samantha turns 12 in the middle of a Pandemic

It's strange when you celebrate your birthday and so much has changed in the world. Instead of going to your favorite restuarant for your birthday dinner, we will order it in. Instead of planning any kind of special activity, nothing can even be considered. One year, I took Samantha and her two friends, Ainsley and Ruby to Cirque de Soleil. It was so much fun and the perfect way to celebrate Samantha turning another year older. But this year, it will be low key.

This is the year that Samantha has matured more from a girl to a teenager than any other year. And with that, acne has arrived on the scene too. With the help of a dermatologist, it has gotten under control. But is there any more of a telltale sign of being a teenager? I think not.

Due to schools closing in March and every business changing the way they do business, we have spent many days at home, all together. I am thrilled Samantha is old enough to take care of herself. We've been able to use this time to teach her how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, pizza bagels, and other simple dishes.

With schools closed and nowhere to be each day, Samantha has embraced her ability to sleep in. The girl can easily sleep until 11:30am or later each day. We've had to try to keep some kind of reasonable schedule and wake Samantha up at 9:30am each day. Some days we have better results than others.

Horseback riding continues to capture Samantha's eye. It is such a great activity that builds self-esteem, confidence, and is something she enjoys so much. Seeing Samantha riding always brings me joy seeing how happy it makes her.

Samantha has a side of her that I don't think most people get to see. She is incredibly thoughtful and tries so hard to let you know she cares. On Mother's Day, I was chilling on the hammock on our deck and Sam came out and gave me a plate of snacks (grapes, cheese, and a cookie). It was absolutely perfect and if she had read my mind, she would've known a snack is just what I was wanting. It was a lovely surprise and such a sweet gesture.

And yet, Samantha can be fiercely obstinate and head-strong. When she has an idea, nothing can change her mind and she will go to great lengths to prove you wrong when you try to talk some reason in her. Samantha likes to operate on her own timeline and will eventually get around to cleaning, homework, taking a shower, or putting away her laundry when she deems it a good idea. There is no convincing her to do anything a minute sooner than she wants. The best is when she is motivated to clean her room and does an amazing job getting everything in its spot.

Samantha can lose herself in her artwork. She is very creative and when she gets going, she will quietly work for several hours on end. She loves to draw and is quite good at it. But yet, she'll complain she is bored and when the suggestion is made to do something artistic, it is the last thing she wants to hear and will snap at you for speaking it.

Samantha has a major soft spot for Lucy and will hug her and cuddle with her with no plans on stopping to do anything else that needs her attention. Lucy is a very willing participant and loves the attention. Most of the day, you can find the both of them hanging out on Sam's bed together; with Sam on her iPad and Lucy looking out the window.

A well charged iPad is the better than sliced bread. When all else fails, Sam can spend endless amounts of time playing on her iPad. In some ways, this pandemic is not a problem for Sam to be stuck indoors for hours and days on end. She loves spending time in her room and is more than happy for us to go run errands, go the grocery store, or even a take a walk without her. Samantha is her own best company!

Every now and then Sam will come up with an idea that she thinks I would never agree to. I love to blow her mind when I instantly say "yes" without hesitation. The latest request was to make her hair purple. Of course, we can do that! Live life the fullest! I am so happy that Samantha is not afraid to take risks and will jump in the deep end of the pool.

Getting Samantha to read is still a struggle. She does not enjoy it and has no problem letting us know. The other day, Alexa announced to everyone in the house,"Reading sucks" and "I hate reading". Ugh. With Jeff and I such voracious readers it is hard to understand her feelings on this. Jeff works on creative ways to get Sam reading. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Middle school and highs school are not going to be easy with how much Sam protests having to read.

I am most impressed with Samantha's ability to know what she wants and make it happen for herself. This girl is super smart and very quick on her feet. She has amazing ideas and will see them through to completion. Samantha recently decided to make her hair purple and gave serious consideration to needing to bleach out her natural color. Once she decided she was ok with it, there was no turning back. The results came out amazingly well. And my Mother's Day Oscar Award ceremony was the brain child of Samantha. It was the sweetest and most fun thing ever.

Many times I think I am not going survive Samantha growing up. We butt heads more than I'd like to admit. But I have to remind myself that we are raising a girl who will stand up for herself, think on her feet, and have a lot of self-confidence.

Happy birthday to my sweet and sassy Samantha. You live life out loud and don't hesitate to tell us what you are thinking. You are quick to make us laugh with a joke or observation. I am so proud of you and how you take responsibility for your actions. This is going to be a big year for you; transitioning to middle school and studying for your Bat Mitzvah. I know you will rise to the challenge and be the best version of you there is. I look forward to seeing you soar! Daddy and I love you very much and hope your 12th birthday and year is full of laughter, love and happiness.