Happy 9th Birthday, Martin!!!

My oldest child is turning 9. Why does this seem huge? I'll tell you why! It's half way to 18. I keep asking myself ... how did this happen? How did we get to this point already? Half way to 18 seems to present urgency to me. For the past couple of weeks ... especially as Martin would give me the countdown until his birthday ... I've been thinking about all of the things that I still need to teach him.
I am so thankful for this boy. I am thankful for who he is becoming. I am thankful that I've had him at home with me that past 9 years ... cultivating a precious mother/son relationship.
I am choosing to celebrate his 9 years - and choosing not think about how they passed in the blink of an eye!
Yesterday, Rich took Martin out for lunch. This is a cherished tradition for all of our children. Daddy takes the birthday boy/girl out for lunch on or near the birthday. Today we will celebrate as a family by opening presents, eating yummy marble cake and ice cream, blowing out candles, and singing Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Martin!! You are and always have been a great joy to me and I love watching you grow and change and learn!!