One Year Away from a Decade: Happy 9th Birthday

I cannot believe my sweet B is 9 today.

 

 

This was the year he got on a plane for the first time. Started his own business with his sister. Joined Boy Scouts. Started going to a new school.

 

 

I’ve written birthday posts for my kids before, and some things don’t change. He’s always been fiercely protective over those he loves. He’s always loved big, even though he’s usually pretty quiet about it these days. (Mommmmmmyyyyyy you’re embarrassing me! Mommy- you’re hugging too tight!)

 

 

He arrived early, although stubbornly. He knew what was best for him, as always. He required an emergency C-section, and we would discover the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. I had to fight against better knowing well-meaning mothers and mothers in law prior to the operation, who tried to dissuade me from doing the c-section. Mommy and B have always had an instinctual understanding.

 

 

This past year brought a whole bunch of changes in his life. He overcame some major obstacles that no kid should have to deal with, but many do.

 

 

But one thing  I feel sure that he learned is that while Mommy and Daddy may not live in the same house,  all of the adults in his life are going to come together to make sure he and his little sister are taken care of.

 

 

(grid includes photos by Neal Carpenter, Robin Gatti Newbern, and Jennifer Hayslip)

 

 

There’s never enough words to tell about all the wonderful things he does, all the things he had accomplished, and everything that he means to me. I hope that someday, if I’m ever not around, my sweet B can go back on these words and know just how much his Mommy has and will always love him.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, sweetest boy, first boy I truly loved- I will always be so proud of you.

 

 

Love,

 

Mommy