Dear Carson,
Tomorrow is your tenth birthday.
Ten! TEN. T*E*N....
Double digits. I cannot believe it.
Lately you have been torn between wanting to hit the double digits of this big birthday, while also kind of wishing for your years of earlier childhood. This is probably my fault; I show you the memories that pop up on my phone from years past, and I reminisce about your younger years. Because you were, seriously, the cutest 3 year old I have ever seen.
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| 3 year old you! |
But don't wish to stay young. Watching you grow makes me just burst with pride. Changing and growing up is exciting! Each day, month, or year, is a gift from God. I'm not sad that you are getting older, even if I do like to talk about sweet memories from other years.
I am PROUD of you. Proud of the growth you show each year. You continue to be full of joy (though maybe tinged ever so slightly with the beginnings of pre-teen moodiness). You are unfailingly affectionate with me and you tell me you love me all throughout the day, every day. You are smart and forever telling me something new you have learned. You are the sweetest friend and I never worry about you not being kind to others (except for Carver 😔).
We just finished up our second, and likely last, year homeschooling. Teaching you has been a challenge. Almost every single day. You are so smart but you don't always see that. You love to learn but dislike learning when it is labeled as "school." You are an incredibly positive and obedient child...except during school hours. The hard moments were worth it, though, to have you back home with me these last years.
You love most things. Jesus, sports, toys of all kinds, koalas, cars, animals, sugary treats, movies, friends, your family (immediate and extended), running errands with me and snuggling on the couch to watch movies, playing baseball or working with Daddy, playing outside, playing video games, traveling, and trying new things. This love you have for all things makes you so incredibly fun to be around. People are drawn to you, they always have been.
I can't wait to see what is in store for you in this next year 💙
This year the word I am choosing to pray over you is confidence. I pray you are able to confidently walk back into public school this year and know you will do just fine. I want you to be proud of yourself, just like Daddy and I are so proud of you. I want you to see your strengths and never fixate on the things you may struggle a little with. I want you to know that you can do just about anything you take on, and that all we ever want from you is to do your best.
I'm the luckiest that you are mine. I love you most.
Happy birthday!
Love,
Mama
