Letter to My Son – Happy 9th Birthday!

At 7 am, I felt a gentle tap on my arm.

“Mom, it’s my birthday!  I’m 9!”

I cracked open one eye and looked at the clock.  “Happy Birthday!  Are you excited?”

Nick nodded emphatically, and asked me what time he was born.

“6:07 am.”

How did you know I was coming?

“Because you woke me up, just like you’re doing today.”

I patted the other side of my bed and he crawled in.  Well, with as much space as his sister would allow.  For a little body, she takes up an exorbitant amount of space.  She crawled into my bed at 4 am, after telling me she couldn’t sleep.  They both had a hard time sleeping last night.  We all did.  I maintain if she was actually LYING DOWN IN A BED instead of walking around at 4 am, she might have had an easier time sleeping, but what the heck do I know?

Today is a new day.

The last year of single digit birthdays for Nick.

When asked if he wanted to go out for dinner tonight or stay home, he chose staying home.  I love that.  Those little moments of homebodiness that mean Mom’s cooking is always better. Home really IS where the heart is. Spaghetti with red sauce, mozzarella and tomatoes from the farmer’s market and hot fudge brownie ice cream sundaes with soft chocolate chip cookies. I can totally do that.

Dear Nick:

What a fun year it’s been, right?  We’re finally settled into a not-so-new-anymore routine and things are feeling good and comfortable.  As they should.

You survived your first year at a new school, and we’re both excited for you to start fourth grade with new teachers.  Last year was a challenge, school-wise, but it was a transition year.  This year, you’re going to knock it out of the park.  I know you will.

You still love and play soccer two seasons a year.  Only now you have to share the soccer balls and the field with your sister.  She’s going to be a trip when she starts soccer in the Fall, isn’t she?

You have a lot of great friends, friends that were with you yesterday when you needed them the most.  The friends that will be there to wipe your tears, or share tears with you, or give you a hug are the very best ones to have.

I am so proud of the young man you are becoming. Although I don’t want you to ever grow up before you have to, in some ways you have become “the man of the house,” remembering things that I forget, taking on extra chores, helping with your sister and even making sure the recycling is out on the curb.

LIKES: iCarly, playing games or music on your iTouch, collecting and trading Pokemon cards, playing card games, learning magic tricks, making lanyard and friendship bracelets, salad, summer camp

DISLIKES: putting laundry in the hamper, waking up in the morning, going to bed at night, Math

You are brave, strong, silly, goofy, smart, ridiculously inquisitive and have a golden brown tan that I’m totally jealous of.  I love seeing the kind of person you’re becoming, as you get more and more confident with yourself, and who you are.  It has been an obscene pleasure being your Mom and we are beyond lucky to have you in our family.

I love you.

xoxo

Mom

When he turned eight …

When he turned seven…

When he turned six…

When he turned five…

When he turned four…

When he turned three…

August 2, 2011 – Bonus Photos

When Nick came home this afternoon, he was greeted with balloons from our friends Kris and Kaitlyn, and The Neighbor Wife brought over balloons tonight. Nick loved it.

This is how Madeline celebrated Nick’s birthday dinner tonight. Every person that came through the front doors, passed her on the couch and came and asked me where she was. She was buried under a mountain of stuffed animals, completely oblivious to the festivities going on around her.

We celebrated this afternoon with Nick’s besties at Yogurtland, introducing both of them to it for the first time.

Thank you SO MUCH for all your kind comments and e-mails about Eli. You guys are the best! Truly. Nick sat and read all of them and was tickled pink to see all that love for Eli. It meant the world to my favorite little boy, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tomorrow?  FOOD!

PS – Before I forget, I screwed up the name of my new favorite Starbucks frappuccino (sorry Kris!). It’s the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino, a new frapp they added permanently to the menu after a trial run a few months ago. I mistakenly referred to it as a Mocha Almond Frappuccino, mostly because it reminds me of an Almond Joy candy bar. My bad.  The Neighbor Wife had herself one today and can attest to its sinful goodness. Go get one for yourself!