Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy

Six years. I can’t believe it really, as I always tell you-I still think you’re my baby. Alas, six years have passed and you are every bit a young man and no more baby at all.

Today is a perfect example. Your birthday has always been a challenge as it falls so close to Christmas, but this year is wrought with disappointment. There is snow, lots and lots of snow. This snow which precludes any trips to the toy store for gifts. This snow will keep your beloved grandparents away for a birthday dinner. The snow will even challenge our ability to make your requested dinner. Finally, the snow kept the Birthday Fairy away. You woke up this morning to no streamers over your kitchen chair as The B.F. was without streamers and without a way to get to a store to get them.

And what happened? Tears? Tantrums that involve kicking and wall-shaking screaming? No.(Well, maybe from the Birthday Fairy.)  None of that.

My beautiful, warm-hearted boy spent six seconds with a catch in a throat at the news that his grandparents were snowed in, but he handled every other disappointment like the very mature six year old that he is. He assured me he understood. He assured me he’d make the best of the homemade cake and the pancakes from scratch (no grocery stores for mix!). He even patiently allowed me to write this before a highly anticipated game of Kid Cranium.

Six years ago he came into my life and brought an almost suffocating amount of joy. He came into my life and shocked me by how his little presence could change me immeasurably. Six years later he continues to surprise me daily. Yes, sometimes he works my nerves with endless queries and negotiations. But he also melts my heart with an earnestness and sincerity that is unparalleled.  He does it all with a style that is definitively his.

I did not think it was possible to love this boy more than I did six years ago, when he boxed his way into this world battered and bruised and grabbed my heart for keeps.
Once again, this morning he proved me wrong.
Happy Birthday Sweet Son. I am certain my life is better because of you.