12 years old for our pocket rocket Zoe

On the eve of your birthday,look at me go darling daughter, I've finished this years birthday blog xo

Another year older, another amazing year of memories made. You literally amaze us all with your determination, motivation, leadership, humility and maturity. The time came in late 2024 to finally campaign for School Captain. Following weeks of drafting, editing and practice you gave a wonderfully delivered speech and achieved your goal being voted in as CDS School Captain for 2025. Your report card could not be more impressive. From the girl who could barely read a sentence in year 3 to straight Bs at the end of year 5 you have really shown how determined you are. Your body is rapidly changing, and you take every change in your stride, comfortably asking me to book you waxing appointments for your legs and armpits. I love that you are not embarrassed by these changes and still feel comfortable requesting help and answers from me when you are unsure.

You still find girl friendships a bit challenging. Like me, you prefer at this age to just ignore the gossip and drama and walk away from conflict in groups. Unfortunately, like me, this makes you a bit of a target for the girls, particularly as you often just join the boys in a game of touch or basketball to avoid the bitchiness. You’ve learnt that jealous behaviour and negative talk behind your back can come from even the closet of friends. The harsh truth of it all is that it doesn’t matter how close your friendship is, through the teenage years insecurities rattle girls self-esteem, and it’s easier to tear each other apart than lift each other up. Get that armour on Zoe, show them how strong and resilient you are. Be grateful that these qualities have been shown to you now, understand that it’s not you it’s them, continue to shine your light bright, be proud of your achievements, particularly those you work so hard at and understand it’s now your decision as to whether you accept that behaviour from them or you don’t.

A sweet blond haired athletic boy named Taylor Bugdon from school became your first boyfriend. You spoke regularly over kids messenger, saw each other at Touch football carnivals and he was always very supportive and proud of you. Eventually though, like all first romances it ended. You broke it off, telling him your focus for 2025 was academics and sport, fortunately you remain very good friends. Our relationship continues to be really positive, maybe it’s the additional time we get together now Cooper is more independent. You are still the apple of your Dads eye, only you could have gotten away with bringing a new puppy home despite Dad not being super on board.

This past year you were selected to compete in Yarra Glen Victoria for National Cross country. Unfortunately, in the lead up you were stuck in a moon boot recovering from injury, you hated every second of being unable to bear weight on your foot and you felt enormous pressure to recover in time for your race. Your goals were simple for Cross Country, make the ACT team, (something you haven’t managed to do before) and not place last nationally. You accomplished both those things, but it wasn’t enough for you. In the end you came away even more determined for 2025. While following you across the country for sport costs us a small fortune, this time with you is always up there with my favourite things. Your resilience to turn up to track the day after you missed selection into the SSACT track and field team was really inspiring! You also joined a second athletics club. Driving in every Saturday morning to Woden Thunder to compete, you loved the competition, and the new friendships forged with the girls and are excited to continue to compete there next year. Keep being you Zoe. You are perfect just the way you are inside and out. We are so proud of everything you do. Don’t let the insecurities of others get you down and don’t let your own insecurities change how you see yourself! You are fierce, you are smart, you are resilient, and you are strong.

You are: Weight: 36.8kilo | Height: 150cm | Favourite food: tuna morney, subway | Favourite singer: Taylor Swift, | Favourite song: Cruel Summer T.S | Hates: Liars, bullies and people who talk about you behind your back. | You play: Athletics, Touch footy and Netball and you are still smashing goals with each of them | You want to be: an Athlete and a school teacher

Highlights: Your athletic training with Rogue Track and Field saw you come in leaps and bounds over the past 12 months. ACT Champion for High Jump with a PB jump of 1.35m, and multiple medals across different competitions in 400, 800 and 1500m each event shaving seconds off your previous personal bests | A trip to Sydeny with mum and Oma to ride the trains and ferries, shopping at Paddys market, swimming at Manly beach and walking around Circule Quay | Finally getting to go to school camp | CDS age champion for athletics 2024 | CDS age champion for swimming 2025 | Your report card, was a standout at the end of 2024 | Elected School Captain for 2025 | Best and Fairest for YNA in 2024 | Your first NSW State Cup for Touch Football in the u14 girls Bulls team | Stormers Athletics 2025 Club Champion, Club Person of the year and u12 Age Champion. |