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She’s Sun and Rain

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Dear Ansley, To the girl who’s sun and rain…fire and ice, I’m praying deeply for you as this next year of your life blooms. Those old Garth Brooks’ lyrics crack a …

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And Then You Were Eight

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Dear Reed, When I greeted you on  your birthday and happily announced, “Buddy, you’re 8 today!” you adamantly refused: “I’m 7!” Glad I’m not the only one a little reluctant …

The Year of the Red Rainboots

In Family by Allison Byxbe

To the little boy who grew to be five, There are these red rain boots that you adopted about two years ago, a hand-me-down from a much loved neighbor-friend. Even …

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Happy 2nd Birthday, Ansley!

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Dear Ansley, Happy birthday, baby! Just a couple months ago I was worrying myself over your not-yet-talking ways. But, just like always, you weren’t in any hurry to impress anyone …

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Happy 7th Birthday, Reed!

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Dear Reed, This year, the day before you turned 7 years old, you lost your first baby tooth. And while there have been many signs along the way that babydom …

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On my 6th Mother’s Day

In Family by Allison Byxbe

My dear, wildly precious children, Being your mother is, to me, a mostly impossible task. I’m being asked to be who I am not yet. You see, I didn’t often …

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The Year that Made you Four

In Family by Allison Byxbe

To the boy who declared he turned 44 this birthday, You are joyful and vibrant and full of light. You love purple and pink and swords and glitter and songs …

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The Sweetest Year

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Dear Ansley, My corn silk haired baby, you have been such a joy this year! You are a mile marker to the beginning of us — our family — all new. …

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The Year You Turned 6

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Reed, when I look at these pictures — all snapped moments, like a still shot calendar — I see a loyal, goofy, loving boy. You became a big brother all …

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Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucas

In Family by Allison Byxbe

Happy 3rd birthday, buddy! This morning, as we sat around the breakfast table, we shared your birthday story. Your usually dancing, hoppin’, laughing self sat scarce breath and wide-eyed still …