Team Cohen: This Child

Friday, January 28, 2022

This Child

This child who couldn't wait the last month to keep growing and had to meet us almost a decade ago.

This child who has the most brilliant, creative mind I've ever seen.

This child who has endless curiosity about the natural world.

This child who takes "industrial strength parenting" and laughs at it and challenges us more than the fibers of my bones could have ever imagined.

This child who filled the hole in my heart that was there for so long.

This child who has caused more holes in my sanity and walls than I ever expected.

This child who makes me breathe deeper and check my patience levels on a minute-to-minute basis.

This child turns 9 today. I love this child with my whole heart.

This child.

Gabriella Daphna turned 9 years old. She was at the end of her 10-day quarantine at home from having been positive with COVID (without symptoms). She chose the menu and snacks, and despite the 2 paid jobs Mommy was supposed to also be working, I was determined to show this girl a good day. And of course, we had some help from family near and far.

On the evening before her birthday, I asked if she wanted to start celebrating early. Of course she did. Her ONE wish? Playing IN PERSON with our neighbor on the other side of the fence behind us who usually plays with Gabi from their step stools.

Her birthday arrived! Even on quarantine, she had to wake up to take her brothers to school. This is how it was done:

Even though we had to be out of bed early, we managed to add some smiles pretty early.

Foods of champions! We certainly ate well on her birthday.

breakfast of bagels and lox

making up for missing the 100th day of school

The Gilden group also had some quarantining kids at home, so they came over to surprise Gabi. They gifted her a most exciting "body sock!"

Almost as if they had planned it, our next-door neighbor found out it was Gabi's birthday and offered her a slice of the fresh strawberry cake she had JUST iced. Don't mind if we do...