Yesterday, at 12:08pm, my son turned eight.
Eight.
For the past 7 years, this bright light has been an integral part of my life. He’s bought my husband and I closer together and instilled in me the idea that I could take care of another being even better than I could take care of myself.
7 years down, 11 to go.
This summer has been bitter-sweet for us as a family. I’ve been very aware that the amount of summers I have with my children are dwindling, summers where we plan time, vacations and experiences that the 4 of us can do together. Summers where we don’t have to think about college, boyfriends, girlfriends, or kids running off to so-and-so’s house for that last party of the season. It’s also the last summer where my sister will be underage and living at home, as she leaves for her college journey this August. Within all of that, I can’t help but see my now 8 year old boy as the nucleus to it all.
He’s the one that made me a mother, my Husband a father, my parents and mother-in-law into grandparents, and my sister into an Aunt for the first time. When he grows, we grow. When he falters, we all feel it. So, on his day, each year, we all celebrate. I’m pretty sure that his baby sister will learn to appreciate her brother’s birthday just as much as we do, realizing that he was the kid that we used to work out all of our parenting kinks. Well, I can only hope.
But on this day, I can’t help but look at this face:
Then remember this face from only a few years ago:
And take note that in a blink of an eye, I’ll be writing about the past 17 years, instead of the past 7. Time flies.
So Happy Birthday, my little boy. My beautiful soul with the kindest heart, and boisterous laugh. Mom and Dad wish you a year of blessings upon blessings. Love you.
What an incredibly sweet post. Happy Birthday to your lil’ man. You right it goes fast – too fast!
Aww, happy birthday! My son is closer to 3 than he is 2 now and I just look at him and wonder where my little chunky monkey baby went!
Aw! Happy Birthday! My daughter is turning four next month and I just can’t believe it.
awwww….what a sweet post!
What a beautiful boy you have! This is a very heartfelt post and I can certainly identify. Our kids are 12, 15, 17, and 20 – it does go by so, so quickly! I can’t believe I have a house full of teenagers when in my mind, I sometimes still feel like a teen myself, LOL! I find myself wanting to baby my 12 year old son just because he is the “baby” of the family. Happy birthday wishes for your sweet son!
Very sweet post! You almost made me cry. I have a little guy too and try to remember to make the most of our moments together since we don’t have a long time to spend with the children in our house!
Happiest of birth anniversaries, Amiyrah!
Oh how sweet! It doesn’t end, does it, looking at that face and seeing the younger one…doubly so when they are acting up. And 10 hits you like a ton of bricks, I’m terrified what 13 will make me feel like, lol! Enjoy it, and happy birthday!
Very Sweet!! I have a 2 and a half year old little boy and time flies! Happy Birthday to your boy, so adorable.
Such a sweet post… it does go so fast, right??? My son turned 9 last winter and it made me realize we were halfway done with having him home. HALFWAY DONE. Crazy.
Enjoy every minute and happy birthday to your son!
How sweet! Happy, happy birthday!
Yes, it does go quickly. My oldest turned 17 in June. I still see him as an 8 or 9 year old. It’s like he’s stuck in time at that point. I can see his younger self in his siblings, too.
Happy Birthday to your son!
What a sweet post and such a gorgeous boy. There really is something everlastingly special about a first child.Thank you for sharing this moment.