Oh sweet boy. What a wonderful, hilarious, joyful, exceedingly blissful year it’s been. What do you think of your life so far? It’s hard to believe that, eleven years ago today, I was just going in for one of your last checkups only to find out that you’d be joining us in the world a few short whirlwind hours later.
Can’t believe you’re 11. Every year I write your new age I feel like it’s wrong. There’s no way you’re so old. This one feels like such a departure from young childhood. Sometimes I look at you now and see who you'll look like as a teen. It's crazy how fast and slow you're growing up.
You are such a kind boy. So passionate and funny and cheerful. You make everyone around you smile. I was delighted at your birthday party at Peak Gymnastics by how kind and considerate and caring every child was. The people you have chosen to surround yourself with are truly an incredible example of what is going to change the world.
You’re figuring out this human thing better than many fully grown humans I know. You get frustrated and annoyed and mad and still I see you trying. Every single day, I see you putting in effort. I am so proud of you s d I hope you are too.
Last year you said was the hardest year of your life. In putting Floyd down in March and then Indy in November, what a hard year for everyone. You were so sweet with Indy and felt your feelings so purely. You still do. I’m so glad you feel safe and loved to use your words and your voice. I’m so honored to hold you through these moments in life.
The arrival of Mabel and Jasper have made you so happy. There are tears most days of joy and sadness. Memories of Indy and Floyd in the watching of our new dogs. It’s hard. It’s good.
You wanted peach pie and chicken noodle soup for your birthday dinner. You were so considerate in planning you party - making sure those kids with allergies were still able to participate. Your consideration of people is insistent and I love it.
You are loved. You are safe. You are amazing. I am so proud of the human you are and the one you're growing into. You're headed to middle school next year, boy are we excited and nervous. So much energy and wondering how things are going to go. You have so many friends and I hope you'll all help each other through the weird new-ness.
I cannot wait to see what this next year brings.
I think you’re a great, cool kid and the best son a mom could ask for. Stay kind, stay curious, stay little and stay kind, even when the world seems against you, work to change it. Tuck on in next to me and tell me about your games or your newest story your writing. You're my most favorite Felix in the whole world. I know I say it each year, but seriously, best year of my life.
All my love,
Your mama
All my love,
Your mama
