Your Last Birthday

Dear Judah,

I've been joking with you lately that this is your last birthday because you simply can't turn double digits. You, of course, know I'm joking (most of the time) but every once in awhile you cock your head and hesitantly try to read my face and seem to wonder, "Can she do that?" No, sweet one, I can't as much as I wish I could. You will continue to charge forward year after year into what God has for you and there's nothing I can do to stop it. And about that, I'm glad.

What a year this has been! We started second grade at our house in Lake Land'Or, sold that house, hit the road thinking we were heading to Vegas, hung out in the Promised Land, visited our friends up and down the East Coast, spent over a month in Florida with Uncle B, and then finally settled into our new house here in Richmond. Whew! What a crazy time that was, but, all the while, you persevered and were flexible and were a huge help during what I'm sure was a crazy time in your mind. You are a leader and child who is willing to take on any challenge set before you. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with that. It's going to be good. Really good.

I was just telling Dad about how much I enjoy talking to and relating with you. Our conversations over the last year have changed from a mother bossing around her son to a mother relating her son in a new and different way (though I know I'm still plenty bossy for your taste. :)) I am excited about what this next year is going to bring us. New challenges, new learning environments, new friends, new dreams.

So, while this isn't your last birthday, I am going to do my best to live like it is and enjoy every last second of you over this next year. You are one cool cat (with a lot of this and a lot of that...)

Love you. A lot,
Mom