Dear Jack,
(I know. I'm late with this. You should know that your mother is a terrible procrastinator and also forgets to do important things often. Sorry.) It's been seven years since we first met. It's strange to think that the tall, freckled boy I live with now is the same baby I brought home from the hospital.
I've told you the story so many times that now you can tell it to me. It fascinates you to think that your entire body fit in the crook of one of my arms. You know about your "special box" now, and revel in looking through the few items I saved from your babyhood: a cap, a newborn diaper, your hospital bracelet, the outfit we brought you home in. Suddenly, your story is important to you.
It's been an interesting year. You lost your first teeth, you went to first grade, and your reading skills really took off. You know what I love about you? I love that you always pick the largest, most complicated book to read. You scoff at lowly picture books, instead choosing chapter books. You even got an award at school for reading so well. There is nothing you can't read, and I'm so proud of you. You've FINALLY caught on that if you bring a book, you're never bored. This has made car rides SO MUCH EASIER. So thanks for learning to read, kiddo.
You had your first-ever slumber party this year. We took you and some of your friends bowling, and you were SO EXCITED that your feet barely touched the floor. Actually, very little bowling was accomplished--but you guys did get in a lot of high-fiving and sliding around the waxed floor on your bellies. After the bowling it was back to the house for cheeseburgers and tiny cupcakes, then lots and lots of Wii and Legos. I think it was your perfect day, pretty much.
You've really struggled this year to not be a little kid any more. I see it in the way that you talk, the clothes you like to wear, and the way you treat your brothers. It's no secret that you think Dora is STUPID and LAME and OMG I CANNOT BELIEVE FINN LIKES THIS. You desperately want to be older, and sometimes it's hard to watch you attempt to walk the line between little kid and big kid. What you don't know is this: it will all happen in time. Trust me. I know I'm your mom and that automatically makes me uncool, but you'll get there eventually. And when you arrive, you'll wish it hadn't happened so soon.
Also: be gentle with your brothers. I know Finn drives you crazy, but it's only because he wants to be like you. It's hard to be the oldest, I know this. But no one is going to love you like they do. No one else will share your history or know all the inside jokes. It's important.
All of this is just to say happy birthday, son. Without you, I wouldn't be a mama. You changed my life for keeps, and I am the one who's richer for the experience.
All my love,
Mama
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