Every year that comes and goes is another reminder of the fact that our baby won't be a baby forever. No matter how much we wish for time to slow down, you continue to grow like crazy year after year. Everything grows. From your little hands that aren't so little to your little nose that's covered in more freckles with each passing year. But not just your physical body and mind keep growing. Your personality and heart continue to grow as well. It's bittersweet, but definitely more sweet than bitter.
This year has come with its share of challenges. Most would say that 2020 was the worst year ever. Somehow, you'd probably manage to find only good things to say. But that's you. You're always looking on the bright side...unless, of course, it has to do with an argument involving your brother, but more on that later. When we spent the spring months isolated inside and away from all that we knew as normal, you loved the excuse to stay in your pjs all day and have more time for games, puzzles, and playing. When the weather lifted, and we were able to get outside more, you were the first one out and the last one in. It doesn't matter if it's blazing hot or freezing cold, you love to be outside. If you're not outside to play, you're most certainly out there helping with whatever tasks are being done. You are, without a doubt, Daddy's right hand man. When you blend your curiosity with your genuine desire to be helpful, it manifests into this incredible little shadow that follows Dad around everywhere.
Indeed, you are one of the most curious nine year olds we've ever known. You are ALWAYS asking the how and why questions. Our "Alexa" gets a workout when you're around, because you're always seeking more knowledge. If you had been a kid of the 80s, you would've had the whole encyclopedia read by now! If you're not asking questions, then you're in the thick of figuring it out yourself. You love to tinker and explore. You love to construct and deconstruct. For Christmas, you had a whole wish list, but one of the few gifts you got that wasn't on your list - a microscope from TiTi - was your favorite. Your mind never seems to shut off and neither does your wiggly body. One of the best parts about remote learning was being able to watch from a distance as you participated in school. Your teacher nicknamed you "Grandpa Joel" because you spent most of your day sitting in an old rocking chair moving back and forth all day long. It wasn't a distraction for you though. Your constant movement didn't stop you from staying engaged the entire time. You were always raising your hand, answering questions, and participating. This new way of learning didn't slow you down one bit! At first, we worried that there would be too much downtime and you'd lose focus or forget to check back in after breaks. Yet, after just a week or so into it, you were handling it all on your own. Whether it's school or just hanging out at home, you have the most amazing ability to keep yourself entertained and occupied for hours without needing the attention of anyone else. It's such a gift....especially in a year where we all needed each other to give a little extra space!
If you're not off on your own or following around a parent asking a million questions or lending a helping hand, you are spending time with your built-in friends for life - your siblings. As the baby of the family, you often just tag along with one of the other three. For the most part, you are completely okay with that and you rarely complain about not having much time with kids your own age. Nyla is surely your most favorite sibling. She just gets you and you just get her. There is a special bond between the two of you that is so unique and sweet that our hearts ache at the the thought of her leaving for college next year and leaving you devastated. She jokes about taking you with, and secretly, we think you really wish you could go. Caleb is a close second for favorite siblings, but he is also the one you butt heads with the most. You clearly look up to him and, sadly, he does not recognize how much you admire him. He shows zero mercy to you...whether it's playing sports, playing a game, or just having a conversation. He expects you to be at his level, and when you just can't hack it, things get ugly REAL fast! Usually he talks down to you and you end up in hysterical tears that are just proof that you aren't always cut out to hang with the big kids. That's where Leah usually becomes your shining star. She's always been your safety net...caring for you like you were her own baby from day one. And, when the moments come where you finally leave your brother behind and meander over to Leah's world, you have a blast! It's so sweet to watch you two together, because you pick up right where you left off years ago when you two were an inseparable duo.
No matter who it's with, or what it is you're doing, it's almost always going to be done with great joy and love for life. Your positivity radiates. This year, that's been more important than ever! You are a little piece of sunshine, and you thrive on your ability to bring brightness to those around you. When someone is sad, you instantly reach out to make them happy. When someone is frustrated, you instantly reach out to help. When someone is in need, you instantly reach out to give. Indeed, you might be the littlest one in our family, but you often do the best job of setting the example for how to live. Our hope is that you continue to grow, but never lose sight of the person God created you to be. So many of the qualities we love about you are ones that we saw in you from the very beginning. With each passing year, those amazing qualities grow right along with your little hands and freckled nose. It is an honor to call you our son and we thank God that He trusted us to be your parents. Happy Birthday buddy!
Love,
Dad and Mom
