{ten}

Dear Kieran,

Yesterday you turned ten. Yet yesterday, I was in the hospital gazing at my tiny first born.

You are wise beyond your years telling me on your birthday, "I've been a wonderful boy for the last nine years and tomorrow I start puberty". Oh, Kieran, you bring a smile to my face, laughter to my day and an extra beat to my heart. You surprise me more and more each day, still dependent on me for a lot, yet so independent when it comes to trying new things. Starting baseball for the first time in the fourth grade?

No big deal. Batting, catching pop flies, and eating your Big League Chew gum, you mesh right in. I was nervous, you took on the challenge without question. 

How far you've come in school! From the daily tears we both used to cry when it came time for homework and trying to get you to read, to coming home and getting your work done and reading for hours, you are in your zone! 

I know sometimes there is pressure to be the first, pressure to be the one that helps with the rest of your siblings. Pressure to be the example. If I could tell you one thing, it would be that your example often teaches me! 

Sure, you fight with your siblings as any kid does, but at the end of the day, they are your friends and you show them love.

The empathy that you hold for your friends, classmates, teachers, and your family is out of this world.

I could have said, "Hug your brother goodbye!" as I dropped you off at fourth grade camp this morning, but I didn't need to-no, you did that all on your own.

I didn't cry when we said goodbye, but I'm a little teary looking at this picture. Your warmth and kindness is something special, Kieran.

Thank you for waking up each day with a grateful heart. 

Thank you for letting me know when I need to slow down and take a deep breath.

Thank you for always understanding, even when I've made a mistake.

Thank you for being the light in my life that you are, I am so proud to be your mom. As I say, "I love you" and you reply, "I love you more", to which I reply, "Not possible!",  I love you my sweet boy!

Happy 10 years from your head to your toes, life has exciting adventures for you and Daddy and I are happy to be alongside your path.

I hope you have the most wonderful time at Camp, I know that you will!

I caught the kiss that you blew and it's right in my heart.

Love,

Mommy

P.S. Change your socks, change your underwear and brush your teeth!