My Jake, sweetest dearest Jake--
This blog is late, and you know this rings true of your mother. I won't even try to make any excuses...it is something you will roll your eyes about in years to come.
Your birthday. Your birthday! Nine years old...your last year in single digits. 3rd grade. Total goofball. Unbelievablely tender.
I love to watch how all the little children in your life light up with joy when you come into a room. And you are always ready for them with open arms. Big broad shoulders and a strong back for carrying wee ones around. And there are lots of little children, not just your brothers and sisters, but cousins and friends...the list goes on. And you are just as excited to see each of them. It is evident in your voice when you speak to them. I love that you love to go upstairs and get little kids up in the morning. play chase. give piggy back rides.
In the last year I have become very dependent on your capabilities. You can pick up, clean up, fix up, carry, lift, push, pull everything. Groceries. Trash. Babies. Furniture. I can't tell you how many times we went to the grocery store this summer and I thought how much easier it was because you were there. You push someone, I push someone. Nick walks. We made it everywhere this summer because of that.
You are also totally goof. Weird when you get excited. Loud. Crazy. Boyish. Childish. My child.
But I am also see the man you will become more and more. In your walk. In your determination when you set your mind out to do something. In your tenderness with your brothers and sister. In the moments of intuitiveness and reason that are beginning to peak through more and more.
It is a delight to be your mother. I cannot think of anything better. You are sunshine to me. And rainy days. And everything in between. You are wonderful.
What in the world did I ever do to deserve you?
Love you forever, no matter what!
Mommy
