Of Laces and Crane Games - Biw is 14

2025 hit me hard, but through it all, I was reminded of God’s grace and of a blessing I will continue to celebrate for as long as I live, until my hair falls to the earth.

Off we went to Octo.

The Biw, no matter how annoying she can be, will forever be the love of my life. Celebrating her 14th birthday was a milestone not only for her, but for me as her mom. Fourteen years of watching her grow, becoming her own person, and being blessed enough to walk beside her through it all.

She had only one request for her special day: dress up as a kawaii Lolita, go to a crane game, and eat sushi with her friend Lizzy. So, for one special Sunday, we put everything else on pause and celebrated her, a very belated birthday celebration, but one filled with everything she wanted.

Two separate missions. Two very different priorities.

Octo is a huge crane game shop in downtown Toronto, but it’s so much more than that. They also house some incredible resin anime statues and have a massive Pokémon collection.

Gabby specifically chose this shop because of her greatest birthday wish: to finally own an Ash EGG statue. Of course, the crane games were also a major factor. 

To give her the full autonomy of enjoying her birthday “unsupervised” with Lizzy, we dropped the girls off at Octo and let them have their own little adventure. Meanwhile, Marlon and I headed over to GameStop to hunt for our very own treasures.

Sushi came next.

After enjoying some well-deserved freedom with Lizzy and filling a huge bag with plushies from all the prizes she won, they couldn’t wait to head over to Gurume Sushi for some delicious food.

To make her birthday even more memorable and meaningful, we specifically reserved a separate table just for the two of them, a little Lolita-girl time to celebrate together. Meanwhile, Marlon and I happily indulged in a yummy platter of goodness and a pitcher of beer. No kids at our table, so naturally, beer was mandatory!

The birthday she deserves.

Gabby enjoyed her birthday so much that she’s already planning an eat-in and a day out with her friends instead of flying overseas for another birthday adventure. We usually travel during her birthday, but I think as she grows into her own little person, she’s beginning to find more meaning in celebrating her milestones with friends her own age.

I have to admit, it feels a little bittersweet. Maybe Mama and Papa’s company isn’t quite as exciting to her as it used to be, and that’s okay. We know that growing up means finding your own people, making your own memories, and creating experiences that are meaningful to you.

We’ll always be here to support her through every step, even if sometimes that means standing a little further behind. Watching her grow, become more independent, and find happiness in her own way already makes us prouder than words can say.

Happy 14th Birthday, Biw! 

No matter who you choose to become or where life takes you, always remember that our love will find you. Nothing will ever change that.

Know this: our love for you can cross oceans and flatten mountains. So keep your head held high, keep your heart happy, and always hold yourself in the highest esteem. Never forget your worth, your strength, and the beautiful person you are becoming.

You are BIW — Bravest in the World.