Dear Jon,
You have been the sweetest spot in my thirty-three years. I always wanted to have a son, but I never could have imagined one just as utterly unique and precious as you have been to me. These ten years have gone by too fast. I always say that you have made motherhood easy, and that I have learned just as much from you as I have taught you. I can remember glancing back in the backseat and you would just be studying me, pensive and watchful, sucking away at your boo (pacifier). I always had the strange feeling you were internalizing some of the basics of driving a car. Everyone would call you "little man" and remark that you seemed to be an "old soul." These statements, applied to you, seemed true. You did seem like a little man, wise beyond your years, from birth. But there was also this wonderful side to you, this side that brought the belly giggle and wide mouthed grin that we adore to this day. I have loved watching you grow. You have not always had the easiest of roads, but you handle challenges with humor and quiet determination. You have learned what many of us grown ups struggle with still: acceptance. You are kind to others, which makes me prouder than anything else, and you are a gentleman. You are sensitive to other people and how they are feeling, and you notice things. You pay attention to others. You have always been watchful, thoughtful and sensitive. Your best friend and arch rival, Anna, came along when you were two, and I think she helped toughen you up with her scrappy, feisty spirit, and she also gave you someone to watch over and defend. You protect her, you help her make good decisions, and you watch out for her. The two of you are very different, but you share similar interests and you spend a lot of time together. Although you do tell me that Anna is the reason you will never marry. And that you only wish you could remember the first two years of your life because you know they were so much quieter without Anna. (They were.)
You're a good son, Jon, the best I could ask for. You are talented in so many ways. You are witty and so much fun to talk to. But your heart is the very best part of you. I can't believe it has been ten years. I have been weepy this weekend. I want you to grow up strong and find your path and fly away happy and brave, but I am sad that your childhood is half over. 8 more years you'll be at home. I hope these 8 years are productive ones for you, and it is my prayer that you use them well. For building, for seeking and finding the things in life that make you fulfilled and productive, and that lead you down good paths. God has his hand on you and as long as you seek His face always, He will direct you. There will be tough times ahead, some scrambling, some muddling, and some fumbling. But I know, without a doubt, that you absolutely have what it takes to get through to where you belong. Mommy believes in you and I hope so much that you believe in yourself. Because you have every reason in the world to. And remember what I told you about the small-hearted (insert other word) kids who try to make you feel lesser than. They can't define you with their words or actions. Only you have this power. You are in charge of who you are. And who you are is someone that I admire a lot; someone that I think is a marvel; someone that I think will exceed all expectations in life. But for now, I simply hope you have enjoyed your birthday.
2003
2004
January 2004; First dip in the Atlantic Ocean
Meeting Papa Larry for First Time
Experiencing peas for the first time. You felt it was more of a facial product than something to be ingested.
Meeting Uncle Cory for First Time
First Father's Day
2005-- You always have LOVED books. We read to you all the time. Now you read all the time.
2006
Using the computer (Kindergarten)
Once a builder, always a builder
At Sea World on a cold day
2011
2012
2013
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