I honestly can not believe that you, my sweet little boy, are eight years old. Eight years have passed since I saw your sweet face for the first time.
It seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it seems like it was yesterday.
You are compassionate, empathetic, optimistic, loyal, athletic, loving, kind, intelligent, always seeking knowledge, opinionated, thoughtful, a vigorous reader, a Lego master, the best brother Nora could ever have, a best friend, a Scout, dedicated wrestler, curious, brave, jovial, full of emotion, observant, scientific, a pleaser, a leader, joyful, spirited, grateful, trusting, dependable, supportive, understanding, and so very LOVED.
This wasn't the birthday we had planned for you. We planned to take you to Monterey, CA to explore the coast and the renowned aquarium. Then we were going to stop by Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA on our way home. We had discussed that this was an adventure year (not a party year). Unfortunately, with our family sick for the past week, those plans didn't get to come to light.
It all started with your sister last Friday evening. She went missing before dinner and when I found her in bed, just before six, I noticed that she felt feverish. Her fever lasted three days. Yours came on Saturday early evening and lasted until Tuesday evening. (I, thankfully, never developed a fever, only a head cold, which I had since the Monday before your sister's fever). On Wednesday evening, your dad came home from a business trip with a fever and he still has one.
This virus is no fun. We have had an entire week off of school (it's your winter break) and we have spent most of it inside sleeping and watching television. In retrospect, we did manage to play Uno outside on the trampoline, go to the dog park a time or two, and make one trip to the pool and playground. The amazing thing is, you have not complained once. You have been in a house with your sister and I for seven days. You have not been able to talk to your friends and your birthday was completely altered. Still, when I asked you if you had a good birthday you responded with. "Of, course! This was a GREAT birthday. I was with my perfect family! Thank you, mom, for making me feel so special! I am so lucky to have you."
Your day started like every birthday. The night before, just after you go to bed, I decorate your Birthday Chair, put out your birthday balloons, presents, and hang your sign (I started this tradition when you turned three).
I know you look forward to your birthday traditions and I'd like to believe that these traditions reinforce our love for your, and make you feel special.
We always open presents right away.
Your sister got you this awesome geology science kit, Buckeye got you geodes to break open, I got you a Knowledge Encyclopedia (in which you cried when you read what I wrote inside the cover-- you are such an amazing child), your dad got a remote control car that was supposed to defy gravity and climb walls, but it didn't work (we exchanged it later). Gramma sent you a Seahawks jersey, t-shirt, and funky socks (that you freakishly love), and you were finally old enough to crack open your piggy bank from Papaw. (The bank was full of unique coins from other counties, a token from the merry-go-round in Spokane, WA, an Air Force coin, quarters from the year you were born (both Montana and Washington), a special grandson token, and about $26 in ones and fives).
You were so excited to receive every gift. No complaining for more toys or wanting more. Your grace made me want to give you the world...
As another birthday tradition, you get to pick the day's meals. You haven't wanted to eat much so you asked for a smoothie for breakfast. Lunch was turkey sandwiches on your favorite bread , Dorito's, mangos, and Dr. Pepper (minus the Dr. Pepper, I honestly think this has been your lunch nearly every birthday for the past five years) and dinner was pizza (spaghetti was your go to dinner for about three years or so, but you switched it up on me this year).
Through-out the day you were able to talk with some family on the phone, many others sent you texts, and you even Facetimed with your papaw and Cate.
We got out of the house some: Target to exchange your car, and the dog park and playground to get some fresh air and exercise.
You asked for your cake earlier in the day (because your sister wanted cake, you didn't actually eat it until much later). The cake was complete with sparklers, chocolate icing, birthday candles, and green writing (like most of the cakes I make it fell apart, and was glued together with icing).
We ended your day watching a movie (Big Hero 6), laughing and teasing each other in your room, and then you quietly read yourself to sleep ( a book from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series).
You know, in retrospect, it was a pretty great day!!
I know the next eight years are going to be amazing. (Oh my goodness, you will be 16 years old in eight years!!! SIXTEEN. Can we just freeze time?)
Love you always,
Momma
It all started with your sister last Friday evening. She went missing before dinner and when I found her in bed, just before six, I noticed that she felt feverish. Her fever lasted three days. Yours came on Saturday early evening and lasted until Tuesday evening. (I, thankfully, never developed a fever, only a head cold, which I had since the Monday before your sister's fever). On Wednesday evening, your dad came home from a business trip with a fever and he still has one.
This virus is no fun. We have had an entire week off of school (it's your winter break) and we have spent most of it inside sleeping and watching television. In retrospect, we did manage to play Uno outside on the trampoline, go to the dog park a time or two, and make one trip to the pool and playground. The amazing thing is, you have not complained once. You have been in a house with your sister and I for seven days. You have not been able to talk to your friends and your birthday was completely altered. Still, when I asked you if you had a good birthday you responded with. "Of, course! This was a GREAT birthday. I was with my perfect family! Thank you, mom, for making me feel so special! I am so lucky to have you."
Your day started like every birthday. The night before, just after you go to bed, I decorate your Birthday Chair, put out your birthday balloons, presents, and hang your sign (I started this tradition when you turned three).
I know you look forward to your birthday traditions and I'd like to believe that these traditions reinforce our love for your, and make you feel special.
We always open presents right away.
Your sister got you this awesome geology science kit, Buckeye got you geodes to break open, I got you a Knowledge Encyclopedia (in which you cried when you read what I wrote inside the cover-- you are such an amazing child), your dad got a remote control car that was supposed to defy gravity and climb walls, but it didn't work (we exchanged it later). Gramma sent you a Seahawks jersey, t-shirt, and funky socks (that you freakishly love), and you were finally old enough to crack open your piggy bank from Papaw. (The bank was full of unique coins from other counties, a token from the merry-go-round in Spokane, WA, an Air Force coin, quarters from the year you were born (both Montana and Washington), a special grandson token, and about $26 in ones and fives).
You were so excited to receive every gift. No complaining for more toys or wanting more. Your grace made me want to give you the world...
As another birthday tradition, you get to pick the day's meals. You haven't wanted to eat much so you asked for a smoothie for breakfast. Lunch was turkey sandwiches on your favorite bread , Dorito's, mangos, and Dr. Pepper (minus the Dr. Pepper, I honestly think this has been your lunch nearly every birthday for the past five years) and dinner was pizza (spaghetti was your go to dinner for about three years or so, but you switched it up on me this year).
We got out of the house some: Target to exchange your car, and the dog park and playground to get some fresh air and exercise.
You asked for your cake earlier in the day (because your sister wanted cake, you didn't actually eat it until much later). The cake was complete with sparklers, chocolate icing, birthday candles, and green writing (like most of the cakes I make it fell apart, and was glued together with icing).
We ended your day watching a movie (Big Hero 6), laughing and teasing each other in your room, and then you quietly read yourself to sleep ( a book from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series).
You know, in retrospect, it was a pretty great day!!
I know the next eight years are going to be amazing. (Oh my goodness, you will be 16 years old in eight years!!! SIXTEEN. Can we just freeze time?)
Love you always,
Momma
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