Try, Try Again

Dear Addie,

Sometimes, I find myself reflecting on our parenting journey, caught in a wave of “remember when” moments. I think about the first time you learned new words, tried new foods, did something fiercely independent, or discovered something you either loved or disliked. The truth is, there’s never any way to know how long these little phases or quirks will last.

Some things stick around for just a blink of time, while others linger for weeks, months—even years. Case in point: “Who let the dogs out?” That one’s been going strong since the early days of COVID and doesn’t seem to be fading out anytime soon, but I digress. More recently, whenever you knock on a door, you softly say, “Elsa?” I honestly can’t even remember the last time you watched Frozen, but I know exactly where that line came from—and it makes me giggle every single time.

That said, over the past year—aside from rejecting every outfit I suggest (because your teenage self has very specific opinions about what’s acceptable to wear)—you’ve also started a daily game, if you will, of pure persistence. And it goes a little something like this...

Every weekday morning, like clockwork, as we're heading out the door for the drive to school, you sneak a soda from the garage fridge. I’m pretty sure you think I don’t notice, but I do. You scurry off to the car, quickly tucking the can somewhere on the floor in the backseat like it’s a top-secret mission. Out of sight, out of mind… for the whole 25-minute drive.

Then, right on cue, as we pull into the school parking lot, the soda can slowly emerges from between the front seats with your signature request: “A brown drink, please!” And just like every other day, I take it, say “Not right now,” and watch you remove your headphones and stash them into your backpack, grab your iPad, and head off to class. There’s no meltdown about it just an aw shucks I’ll try again tomorrow mentality.

Now having said all that, it's worth noting every single day, I forget that can is even there (my ADHD is working overtime lately). By Friday morning, without fail, five forgotten soda cans are rolling around the car like they own the place. Side note: by the afternoon there will be only four because I allow one on Fridays (only if you are feeling well) after school ;)

Addie, I have no idea how long this little soda game will last, but I’m genuinely enjoying every ounce of persistence you pour into it.

You’ve taken “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” to heart—and honestly, it’s kind of inspiring.

Love you girl!

Mom