I feel like you always end up all squished in the middle of things. Not getting our full attention. Not getting your allowance of time and adoration.
There were no "middle children" in my family growing up. Only the oldest and the youngest. So you, my NickyBobo, are my first experience with a middle child. And sometimes my heart breaks for you just a little.
Yet, you were made to be a middle child. You truly believe that Jake hung the moon. Anything he does is, in all reality, just about wonderful with you. And you would walk through fire for him. Anytime. But you are tender and compassionate for the littler members of your brigade. You worry over them. You hug and kiss them. You like them. You really, really like them. Even when sometimes they do things to you that are not all that likeable. You endure them with a big brother's tears and frustration.
Your birthday weekend was not uneventful this year. We had a real party planned. We really did. But your brother fell off his scooter, broke his head, and had to spend the night in the hosptial. And you had an asthma/croup attack and went to the ER in the middle of the night. So we cancelled your party and layed low. We had family and a few friends over. And you thought this was your party. And I'm not sure if I should correct you. And I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse. That you expectations for yourself are not big and grand. That your birthday kind of got squished off to the side in the midst of crazy.
And I just don't want you to feel squished off to the side. We are a family with a lot going on. We have been residing here on Chaos Island for quite some time--and there are lots of family members whose feelings I am pretty certain of. But yours. Yours my sweet boy, are more hidden and disguised. Not right on the surface--at least not in their natural state.
So, Nick (as you so adamantly want to be called), to you the Happiest of Happy Birthdays. May your dreams and wishes come true. May this year ahead be full of adventure and challenges. I hope it is a year of fantastic suprises and joyful delights. Full of driveway ice cream days and camp-out flashlight nights.
You are the best NickyBobo I could ever imagine.
Love you forever, no matter what!
Mommy
