Ten!

*Backposting to Saturday.*

 

Nick,
 

Today you turn 10. Double digits, as you put it. Or, more accurately, “It’s the most important birthday of my entire LIFE. Double Digits, Mommy. I mean, I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT TO TRIPLE DIGITS, SO THIS IS IT.”

Yes, finding the drama in any situation has always been your greatest strength, honey.

 
Well, it’s second only to your intelligence. You’re almost startlingly bright … every teacher you’ve ever had has said that about you, although you see absolutely no reason whatsoever to apply yourself academically. You blaze your own trail, you do. When I’m not busy finding it downright maddening, I find it positively admirable.

 
I’ve always been more of a follower, but you’re a leader. That’s great, too, except you ALSO want to be the leader – not the follower – in the parent/child relationship. You’re quite bossy, you know. Daddy and I have worked really hard over the past 10 years to find our footing with you, and I’ll be honest: we’re not there yet. You’re making us WORK FOR IT.

 
Did you know we’re not, like, professionals at this? We may have a whole slew of kids, but it’s not like we know what we’re DOING. Sometimes we look at each other and go, “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?” Basically the four of you are just products of Our Best Guesses.

 
And you can see how well THAT’S going.

 
What I’m trying to say is, we’re doing the best we can. I love you with all of my heart, and you’re helping me grow as a mom in ways I never knew existed. You challenge me, you make me laugh, you make me proud, you keep me honest, you make me look forward to the future.

 
You’re worth it. You’re worth all the work, and more. 

I love you,
Mommy