12 years old, your first girlfriend and a first kiss_Happy Birthday Cooper

 Where as the time gone? Another lap around the sun and here you are turning 12! 

Still asking me to bake your cakes

I remember back to when you were turning 1, that first twelve months was a year of so many firsts; first steps, first words, first tooth, first Christmas. I feel like the firsts started to slow after that, but here we are again and the firsts are back. 

In the past 12 months you set of on your first school camp (Birragi), and your second (Jindabyne). You asked your first girlfriend out and had your first heart break when she broke up with you 3 months later because it was easier to be friends. Don't worry too much about it, you bounced right back a few weeks later with your second girlfriend and first kiss. You went to your first concert (Red Hot Chili Peppers)You had your first day of the last year of primary school. Your first best batsman trophy in cricket and sportsmanship award for little athletics. It's been a big year for you and I feel as though it's only getting bigger for here. 

I cant keep the food into you. You never stop eating, but you're also a thin as a rake; dangly, lanky and long. You are constantly out with mates, at sport, training or just out on your bike with mates on the street or at the skate park. Getting you to stay home is impossible if the weather is nice.

Another thing I cant get you to do is tidy you room or make your bed.

You had a great end to year 5 and have started our year 6 with an academic bang. You are however very ready to for the next step, for high school, for some more freedom. The tediousness of "daily five" "hot reads" "inquiry unit" and religion have you wanting to branch out in your learning. 

out of the dam with Bronte, Zoe and Jamo

You and Bronte before Yass
 street fair

You've excelled at sport again this year, but gosh I find it frustrating that you just wont practice to really get the edge. You have such natural athleticism, but you definitely don't have the drive your sister does. 

You've mellowed out with your siblings this year, practicing patience with Carter as he follows you around like a bad smell, and not baiting Zoe when you can see she's on the precipice of a breakdown. 

You still ask for me to put you to bed, allow me to cuddle you and let me in on silly jokes or riddles you've seen online. 

This year:

First Girlfriend: Bronte Brown (a lovely Yass girl, and a brilliant netballer)

First Kiss; Milla Shelton (your second girlfriend, who lived just down the road, I believe the kiss came about through a game of spin the bottle in our garage one afternoon, or so I'm led to believe)

Fav Song: I got you on my mind ~ Powderfinger

Fav Book: Hunger Games

Fav Movie: Grown ups 2

Food: Nachos

Favoutite subject at school: Maths

You play: AFL, Hockey, Athletics, Cricket

You love: Camping, swimming, video games and hanging out with mates

Your best mates: Liam, Lewis, Paxton, Nick

I wish I'd measured you, but I'd say you are around 162cm, you'll have me beat for height by the end of the year I'd say

Weight: around 40 kilo

LOVE YOU MATE..... ALWAYS.

p.s promise I haven't shared your text messages

 any further than this 💓 Mum x

Dearest Cooper, on your Primary School Graduation

 This hurts my heart, but at the same time it swells with pride. I cant believe we have reached this milestone as quickly as we have. In the thick of it all it seemed so long, but in a blink it's all over. As you know and can plainly se this big step for you is one that I have a hard time fighting my emotions with. Your Dad and I have done our very best to prepare you for this next chapter, for high school, for independent learning and learning from mistakes. We know that you'll grab this next step with both hands and smash it. 

We have loved watching your fierce friendships develop with your primary school mates, I love your brilliant questioning mind and how excited you can get over things that interest you while learning. We love your passion for sport, competition and how you care and include others. 

As you move on to this next chapter, please be patient with Dad and I. Remember that we have suffered through the teenage years, felt similar feelings, emotions and frustrations, though there's a key difference, we did it without social media, snap chat, instant video cameras and cyber bullying. We want you to always feel like no matter how big or small you think a worry or problem is that we will always listen. It'll be tempting for us to solve your problems, to tell you that none of it will matter in the future, to tell you what you should do, but we will try to first and foremost listen and try to let you navigate these things on your own. Trust yourself, you will know deep down what to do or say. 

There is nothing that you can say or do that will stop us loving, caring or protecting you so please keep talking to us about your life, your troubles, your goals and your mistakes. 

It'll be tempting for you to brake rules, to follow friends who may make the wrong choice and that's OK. That's all part of growing, but follow your instincts where you can, we've taught you right from wrong, you've proved to us that we can trust who you are, to do the right thing, please keep doing the right thing, even if it makes you unpopular for the briefest of moments. 

Promise me you'll never drink drive, never get into a car of someone who is drink driving, do whatever you can to stop your mates from making that mistake. Please don't vape or smoke. I'd say no hard drugs, but I feel like that's all part of life. Just be smart, make smart decisions and always call me if you feel like you might be in trouble. 

It hurts my heart mate that you grew so fast. Please be patient as I let go into the world, It's hard for mums. 

Our best mates, Liam and Em, Lewi and Vic

We are so proud of who you are

We are always here for you

We are always rooting for you

Work hard

Achieve your goals

and know that we love you and there is always someone who wants you to come back home. 

EDIT: attached is a photo of the letter you wrote us for your graduation. I thought it would be nice to have this saved here too.