Thursday, December 12, 2013

Decade


Dear A,

Today you are 10 years old.

You have completed the first DECADE of your life!


It's hard to believe that it was already 10 years ago that we first laid eyes on each other.

That was a long day....and night. You looked right at me and cried as if to say,


"WHOA!!! What just happened?!?!?!"

You looked like a little old man with a giant cone head.  (Note: giant...)

 But, at first sight....I was hooked.






You've had quite a decade, too.

A large extended family.

The first born son to carry on the family name.

A four generation picture:

 

I remember your first year well.

We were both learning our way.

Thanks for being such a good sport about my learning curve.


 
 
 
You loved hats and make believe.
 
 
You loved trucks, excavators and construction equipment.
You knew more about them than I did!
 
 
You were so cute in sleepers,
and didn't mind triple layering because we were living in swiss cheese.
 
 
 
 
You're a grandparent's kid.
To the core.
Your love for them is unparalleled.
 
 
 
I love that about you.
 
 
You love family time.
 
And adventures with your family.
 
Even though you frequently get car sick, you take it all in stride.
 
Or in sleep.
 
But you make the best of it
knowing that at the other side of the car ride, you'll have fun.
 
 
You've overcome sleep apnea
 
and insanely big tonsils and adenoids
 
(not to mention, you're a HOOT when doped up on pain meds)
 
 



You're quick with a smile





 
 
 
 
You're daddy's buddy,
 
and love being useful.
 
You have your daddy's work ethic brewing in you-
 
that will take you far in life.


 
You still love going to school everyday.
 
You love to learn new (interesting) things.
 
I hope you never loose that curiosity for interesting things.
 
I hope you never loose your love for that school.
 
And the people in it.
 
 
 
 
You have the BEST belly laugh.
 

 
 
You taught me how to be a "speechie mom"
 
And we met some amazing people along that journey.
 
 


You're a great big brother!
 
Even if they bug you and get in the way sometimes,
 
you still manage to be their biggest cheerleader.

 
 
You are a cuddler at the very core of your being.
 
You carried that blue blanket around the house every day for 4 years.
 
I miss those days cuddling with you and that blue blanket.
 
 



You love making new friends
 
And being "one of the boys"



 You love a good competition.
 
As a matter of fact, on more than one occasion, I've heard people call you
 
Captain Competition.


At the same time, you're not a sore looser either.
 
I appreciate that about you.
 
It shows that you have integrity.
 


 
 
When you enjoy something, it shows.
 
It really shows.
 

 
 A, I'm so thankful to be your mom.  You're tender heart reminds me to carry it with care.  Your hugs are endless, but your cuddles are starting to dwindle as you mature.  You've stopped calling me "mommy" and started calling me "mom."  As I look back on this decade....these TEN years, I see a lot of love and a lot of fun. 

I also look forward to what the next 10 years will bring.  I see lots of changes.  I want to bottle this time up so I never forget it.  Thank you for being a good sport when mom wants "one more picture."  Thank you for being who you are.  I hope you keep your tender heart- even if it means that sometimes you will get hurt, tender hearts are more lovable than sour hearts.  I hope that you will continue to pursue things that interest you.  I hope you will laugh.  Even when you want to cry. 


I hope you will always seek God first- in all you do.




I want you to know....


...no matter how big you get,


....no matter how much you grow,



....whether your one decade old,


two decades old,

 or five decades old.....


you will ALWAYS be my baby.
 
 
You'll always be my bud.
 
 
So, while I may see this through my camera lens:



 
 
This is what my heart sees:
 
 

 
My sweet baby boy who always wanted to nap curled up under my chin.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Just in case you didn't get it before, let me say it again:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You look in the mirror and see this boy:


 
 
 
 
 
 
I see this one:
 

 Happy 10th Birthday, A!

We love you tons.



3 comments:

mrsmarkdave said...

Oh my gosh this made me cry!!! Happy Birthday! So, so sweet!

The Gardener said...

Wow! Great post. Made me cry. A is a lucky boy. I hope he always remembers how much he is loved.

Midwest Mommy said...

Came over from Mama M's blog, hope you don't mind. This is an amazing blog and this entry made me smile!!!!