Today we celebrated seven years of Benjamin Felix.
It was an excellent day.
What a blessing it is to be his mom. He continues to keep Tim and me amazed just by being himself - a smart, silly, sweet kid. I hope I always remember these precious days of being a mom to a little boy. Benjamin loves to tell us stories and keep us posted on the information he finds most interesting and important. He still thinks we're funny and he loves snuggling with us. He's totally cool with just hanging out with Mom, Dad, and Elzie.
But I know that our little boy days are numbered. I see Benjamin striking out on his own more and more. He's so kind-hearted that he tries to help me along. (I'm thinking of when he decided he'd rather go to the gym with his friends than to the library with me in the mornings before school. He let me down gently because I momentarily forgot to be the parent. I actually said, "You're hurting my feelings.") I keep wondering how much longer he'll hold my hand when we walk together in public. Maybe it's best not to think too much about that because I just know there are really great things around the corner. For Benjamin and for our family. We will learn and grow together.
He'll zip through these phases of childhood. We'll follow right behind him - sometimes smiling, sometimes gritting our teeth, sometimes crying - but always better for having taken this journey together.
Happy birthday, Banjo boy. And thank you for being you. We sure do love you.
