It’s been an incredible ride since Z joined our family. On his 16th birthday, the flood of emotions strikes like a powerful lightening bolt. Long gone are the days where he really needed me on call 24-7. He’s matured into an amazing teenager, soon to embark on his own life journey. We couldn’t be prouder of who he has become.

He’s a friend who can be counted on.

I love that his baseball buddies are so close. Fishing, golfing, hanging by the pool. Z is often right there in the middle of it.

Smart kid. The boy is brilliantly advanced educationally. He puts the work in to be successful. While he stresses the college process, I know deep down inside of me that he will find his place.

Baseball player and a pitcher, no less. The kid was throwing a ball since he was in Korea. We used to get those adoption reports and smile at those milestones. And he is a gamer. The brighter the lights…the better the performance.

Love of family. He’s lucky to be surrounded by amazing family on both sides. It’s shaped him. Taught him unconditional love.

Dare I say, country boy. He loves the music and seems most at ease in the woods, fishing. I love that I get to share some of my own childhood moments with him.

Lover of dogs. He’s learning the nuisances of pet ownership. The happiness, sorrow, and little moments that make it special.

While not yet a ladies man, that time will come. He’s handsome and has a great presence, even though he doubts himself. Momma intuition tells me he’ll find the right girl one day. Choose wisely.

While he’s close to his dad too, there is a special bond with his mom. Yes. We definitely butt heads at times. But deep down, I hope he knows how incredibly proud and honored I am to be his mom.

So with that Happy Sweet 16th Birthday. Wishing you all the best and many, many more birthdays. Keep being your amazing self.