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, twelve years ago today, I was just going in for one of your last checkups only to find you'd be joining us in the world a few short whirlwind hours later.
TWELVE. I can't believe you are twelve. Every time I write it, I think, "That math doesn't math. I have to be wrong." You have grown so much even in the last few weeks. You are over five feet tall. I can no longer lay my cheek on the top of your head when I hug you. You have hormones ruling your life and you STILL manage to be funny and kind and quick to forgive. I am really loving seeing who this person you are growing into is.
This is the first year of your life that you have chosen not to have a party. I am very unsure what to do with myself. Your dad says to enjoy it. And I do enjoy being able to give you exactly what you want for your birthday. You chose apple pie for birthday breakfast pie. You chose angel food cake and strawberries for your cake. You had a sleepover with a friend which included roller skating, arcade, pizza, junk food, two tv's in your room and so much fun. The night before you also slept 12 hours "in preparation" and because you're growing like the cutest Felix weed I ever saw.
You started middle school this year and you're freaking killing it. You walk to and from school with friends. You participate in D&D club. You have lots of fun with your new friends. You love and are doing great in your classes. We experienced a teacher you didn't fully love and learned how to handle that.
You finally got FORTNIGHT. I know nothing about this game except how much joy it brings you. You don't ask for much and when you got to play this, wow the joy. Incredible.
This year we played some baseball, went swimming, you had your clarinet concert in elementary school and your choir concerts at middle school. I was so proud of you in both. You are quite the performer. You got your nails done professionally and press-on-ly.
We watched you graduate elementary school with knowledge, passion, lessons learned and still, you are you. You had a graduation party at Shakey's and Mr. Holmquist showed up. Every kid had matching shirts from Keayleen.
We went on hikes and played bingo with the Skobins, we ate Dim Sum, we went to almost every farmer's market at the middle school, we made new friends (Nandor!) and played new games. We visited Farmer's work!
We watched Jasper grow into the almost 100 lb dog he is now. Much less a baby puppy and more of a gangly teenage puppy, similar to you. Unsure of how to use the limbs, falls down sometimes, cute as hell.
We went to San Francisco and Lompoc - what an amazing trip. Only 5 months to next Lompoc!
You are so kind and emotive and friendly and cheerful and passionate and just the coolest.
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
