Here we are again: another birthday and you’re one year older than I can believe. This birthday seems extra poignant to me because you’re now only two birthdays away from being a decade in age. And two isn’t very much. My thoughts have frequently been drifting to the drama of your birth, remembering what was going on during each of the 3 days leading up to your appearance.

And now here we are…eight…YEARS…later. You have seven younger siblings who consider you their king (a lot of the time; other times they’re in rebellion); your nights are usually booked as you squirrel away with your favorite reading material (I find your books tucked into the most random places in your room); you can ride your bike with no hands, practice holding your breath under water, and enjoy archery; and you ask Jesus to help you have the right attitude in school.

I am proud of your physical stature and accomplishments but I’m most in awe of your inquisitive mind. You crave knowing- not just about the world around you but about the God who created it all. Your mind doesn’t rest on this planet either. Nope. You’re already exploring the planets we know about and the ones we don’t and pondering the complexities of the sun. And while you’re in the heavens, you’re also drifting in thought to the new heaven and the new earth we are eagerly anticipating together.

From the moment I met you eight years ago, I knew you were one of my favorite people in the world. Each day only confirms that fact. I love you not simply because you’re my flesh and blood but because you are uniquely yourself. You are content to be yourself while still knowing there are areas where you need to grow in skill and good character. But my affection doesn’t stop with loving you; I really, really like you too. I think your jokes are hilarious, your ideas are brilliant, and your verve for life inspirational.

I would go through the drama of your birth all over again in order to be your,

Mama