Seven Years.
Here are seven ways you’ve changed my life:
1. We bought a minivan to herald your arrival. I have never become emotionally attached, but I am grateful for it. That is a surprising attitude change. CLARIFICATION: I never resented you. Just maybe the van.
2. You’re not a girl. Up until you arrived, I was feeling like I had a handle on the parenting-of-daughters business. This boy thing is a nice change in our lives. NOTE: If my brothers read this, they are all equally likely to comment thusly – “Hey, Bec, remember when you said your first daughter would be your last child?” Answer – yes. I remember. I was wrong. And I’m happy to be wrong.
3. You are my only child who ever said (in my hearing) “I hate you, Mom.” You were two. You really, really needed to run through the Wal-Mart parking lot all by yourself. I stifled your creative energy. And forced you bodily into your buckles. You sat in your car-seat muttering two-year-old curses and kicking the back of my chair. I cried real tears when I heard those words. But the change? The change is that I somehow learned to hear what you meant as opposed to what you said. And that has been tremendously helpful to me. (What you meant was, “Hey, Mom? That place is not good for me. Let’s not go there anymore.” We’re still doing our best to stay away.)
4. You are a seven year old boy, and you still hold my hand in public and choose to sit on my lap in church (and not only when I have mints in my pocket). You hug like a koala. Remember when we used to rent out your hugs? Like when Mary was doing chemo and she needed a fix every now and then, and we’d go over and you’d hug her? I hope you remember that. Those hugs were worth more than gold. More than chocolate. More than anything. And they’re still good.
5. You’ve showed me that you can (almost) have it all. You are * handsome * smart * athletic * interesting * kind * funny * musical * gentle * generous. Also you keep your room cleaner than any of your sisters keep theirs. (I’m not saying “Favorite.” I’m just saying “cleaner.” Geez, girls. Lighten up.)
6. You gave me permission – even the commission – to find your wife. Remember? I tried to get out of it. I told you that would be your job. But you said, no. I want your help, Mom. You pick her. Well, all right. If you insist.
7. You multiplied my heart (again) and filled it right up.
Happy Birthday, Buddy. I hope it’s magical. Like you.
Multiplication of the heart…oh yes, that’s exactly it.
Happy Birthday Kid Number Four!
Multiplication of the heart…oh yes, that’s exactly it.
Happy Birthday Kid Number Four!
I have a very cute 7 year old daughter. You know, just in case you’re taking applications now. 🙂
I have a very cute 7 year old daughter. You know, just in case you’re taking applications now. 🙂
Awwwww. I have two boys and I love them so. They do give good hugs, and guess what? My ten year old still holds my hand in public. I keep waiting for him to stop, any day now.
Awwwww. I have two boys and I love them so. They do give good hugs, and guess what? My ten year old still holds my hand in public. I keep waiting for him to stop, any day now.
Happy Birthday, buddy!! We’re glad you came around!!! Hope it’s a great day for you!!
Happy Birthday, buddy!! We’re glad you came around!!! Hope it’s a great day for you!!
Oh, Becca. You’ve got me all teary over here. This is so beautiful. I admit, I cried at the “I hate you” part because I’ll never forget the first time my little dude smacked me–same reasons, incidentally. And we avoid that same place for that reason. I try to NEVER take him there anymore.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know this is so beautiful and full of love.
Oh, Becca. You’ve got me all teary over here. This is so beautiful. I admit, I cried at the “I hate you” part because I’ll never forget the first time my little dude smacked me–same reasons, incidentally. And we avoid that same place for that reason. I try to NEVER take him there anymore.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know this is so beautiful and full of love.
Oh my gosh! That is so sweet! What a great mom you are! And what a cutie!!! Only my husband will take all the kids to Walmart anymore. He’s much braver than I am. =)
Oh my gosh! That is so sweet! What a great mom you are! And what a cutie!!! Only my husband will take all the kids to Walmart anymore. He’s much braver than I am. =)