Eleven (for Noah)

I'm always careful with what I share about you in this space.  Whenever you inspire me to write about you (which is often, because you're such a remarkable boy), I share the posts with you before the rest of the world, so you can tell me if you feel alright about me hitting "publish".  I realize that as you grow older, you want more privacy, and I respect that.  I'm sensitive to what you might find embarrassing to have written about you in a place where others can read it.  I hope you don't mind though, if today, on your 11th birthday, I just go ahead and tell the world about the many wonderful qualities that make you special and make me so very proud to be your mom.

Your deep intelligence and curiosity never cease to fill me with wonder and amazement, Noah.  I love that I can sit with you for long periods of time and have fascinating conversations where we ponder complicated ideas, ask difficult questions, and remark on the incredible, while you share really interesting facts with me that I never knew before.  I love your maturity and knowing without a doubt that I can always trust you (as was evident just last week when I left you at home alone for awhile, and when I returned, I found you sitting quietly at the dining room table, completely engrossed in the personal challenge of using every last Bananagram tile in a single grouping of words).  You're a kind and loving family member, a gentle spirit with a good heart who often offers to help out (and who responds to our requests for help around the house with only the occasional minimal grumbling!).  I'm so inspired by your dedication to your many pursuits, your great determination to try your hardest and your ability to be successful in so much of what you do.  Your positive attitude and your willingness to try new things (well, okay, maybe not foods, but other things!) allow you to constantly find new opportunities to grow into someone even more wonderful, and your delightful sense of humour keeps you (and us) laughing all the way.

When you were in kindergarten, your teacher (who also thought you were amazing) told me that you were four going on forty.  She was right.  Your wisdom and maturity, your deep insight and well-spoken words make it easy for me to think sometimes that you're already all grown up.  And yet, when I poke my head into your room at night to look at you before I go to bed, I still somehow see a sweet and beautiful little boy.  I hope you'll never grow up too much to want to hear just how much your mom loves you.

Happy 11th birthday, Noah.  I hope you enjoy a wonderful day and a happy year full of making your dreams come true.  xo