Ben, day one:
Nine years ago today, at 8:46 p.m., I became a mom when I gave birth to an 8 pound,19 inch, baby boy named Ben. Nine years old, today. Nine. I blinked and he was eating solid foods. I went to bed and when I woke up he was a toddler. I took a shower and he was talking. I ran to the store and he was ready to start school. I went to tuck him in, to kiss him goodnight, to read to him, and he was eight, already in bed, reading silently to himself.
A quote I read recently in the book "The Happiness Project" keeps going through my mind today, "The days are long but the years pass quickly". So very true. But every little moment that isn't in my memory is written down somewhere, or jogged when I look at a piece of his tiny clothing, or come upon a baby photo, or uncover a long-forgotten toy. And more memories are going to be made.
Today I plan on remembering the little things, like the way his hair stands up in the back every morning, and how kind and patient he is with Emma, how he likes to read while he eats breakfast, how he will let me hold his hand momentarily as we cross a street until he remembers he doesn't really need to anymore, yet he always grabs Emma's hand when they walk together, how little he still looks when he is asleep, his quick laugh and smile, his joy in sharing his newest Lego creation with everyone, how he loves to check out "Wookie-pedia" for Star Wars information, how he would eat pizza-yogurt-fruit- and celery in his lunch every day and how he always feels the outside pouch to see if I put a treat inside, his disdain for finishing his homework followed by the joyous relief of actually finishing it, the way he still hugs us goodnight without looking too embarrassed, the way he says I love you freely and often.
Ben, age one: Ben, age three:
Ben, age four:
Ben, age five:
Ben, age seven:
Ben, age eight:
Today I will cover the table with the birthday tablecloth, and for your birthday dinner we will have my "famous" spaghetti (by request), bread with dip (olive oil and balsamic), salad and confetti cake with chocolate frosting. I'm sure you will get a Lego or two along with books and clothes. There will be laughter and photos taken and a few tears from me, and several rounds of "Happy Birthday" sung- some from far away will remain on the answering machine for weeks to be replayed.
And tonight, after you are asleep, your dad and I will marvel at how quickly you have turned nine, and just so you know, in case you have forgotten, we want you to know that every day we feel so very lucky to be your mom and dad.
Happy Birthday Benny. We love you.
OMGoodness! 9? WOW! Happy birthday Ben!!!
=) Liz
Posted by: Liz Ness | October 21, 2010 at 02:27 PM