the little things: Happy Birthday, Barrett

Dear Barrett,

Happy birthday, eight-year-old! It's hard to believe that 8 years ago today, you came into this world and turned Daddy and me into parents. Life as we knew it was over. Sometimes I wonder what I would do without you...(do do loo, do do loo (that's the sound of us going through a worm hole back in time (a la Wayne's World...when you are older you'll watch this silly show and wonder what planet Daddy and I came from))).

If I hadn't had you eight years ago, I'd probably have lots of really expensive clothes and even more shoes. I'd probably drive a luxury sedan that smells like new leather instead of dirty socks and spoiled milk. I would probably have a a white couch, a clean house, and all kinds of beautiful, fragile decorations. Of course, there would be no little fingerprints or footprints on my refrigerator. I would probably have fewer gray hairs and wrinkles. If I hadn't had you, I'd have lots of time for reading, shopping, pedicures and evening strolls.

Yes, if I hadn't had you, I'd be absolutely and completely miserable and desperate to become a mommy. I wouldn't trade being your mommy for all the shoes and spare time in the world. If I had not been so lucky to have you eight years ago, I'd be sick of that new car smell and my white couch would be stained from all my tears. Gray hairs can be dyed and my wrinkles are a testament to living, loving, and laughing. If I didn't have you, I would have never experienced the excitement of cheering at the top of my lungs over a Little League base hit. I would have missed the joys of hearing your high-pitched squeals of delight, building forts out of sheets, and driving a pirate ship (that to the untrained eye looked like a giant cardboard box.) I would have never heard of Butterfly Man or learned to make gluten-free blueberry pancakes. If you hadn't made me a mommy, I wouldn't have any boo boos to kiss and make better. Without you, I probably would have lived my whole life without reading a book called Poop and I'm pretty sure I would not know the difference between a Wookie and a Ewok. I'd have no one to make Christmas cookies with, or take to the pumpkin patch. Honestly, if I didn't have you, I would have missed the greatest joys in my life. When you were born, you made me a mommy and in that moment my heart was no longer just inside my body. Being your mother makes my life richer and more meaningful everyday. You make me want to be a better person.

You are an amazing kid. You are so strong and so sensitive and caring at the same time. Sometimes, you'll come just cuddle up with me or give me a hug for no reason. I love that! It's really awesome to watch how gentle and protective you are with Annabelle too. Your voice raises to this sweet, high tone every time you talk to her. The other day, Annabelle wanted to have a tea party so you ditched your favorite jersey knit shorts (worn for at least 3 days in a row) and stained camp t-shirt for a pair of khakis, a button-up shirt, and fedora so you could play with her. Another day recently, we went to this indoor bounce house place, and Annabelle didn't want to do anything but ride this little kiddie train that went around in a circle. She asked you to go with her and even though you were having a ball in the bounce houses, you rode that thing with her more times than I could count. You are a great brother to Kyle also. You and Kyle enjoy playing together and building Lego creations. I have spent many days this summer with various characters such as 2 FBI agents, 2 Army men with their Jeep, 2 Ninjas, 2 Jedi...2 best friends. Sure, you argue sometimes, but if you didn't care you wouldn't argue with each other. We built a fort in the game room and you two have spent many hours in there reading, playing, and sleeping. Sometimes being a big brother requires a little extra responsibility and self-control. It's not fair, but it's the way it is, and you handle it very well. I am so proud of you. Annabelle and Kyle are so lucky to have you as their big brother.

You are a very responsible person. You are pretty good about cleaning up after yourself and taking care of your things. You have a bookshelf in your room which you keep very neat and organized. Your baseball cards are all neatly put in plastic sleeves in a binder. You usually know right where your stuff is and if someone moved it.

Right now you are into computer games like Minecraft and Poptropica, and also Xbox games. You would probably spend all day playing these kinds of games if we'd let you. Luckily you also love baseball and basketball, riding your bike, and swimming. At your baseball games, you usually have your own cheering section including Mommy, Daddy (actually he's one of the coaches), Kyle, Annabelle, Gigi, Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Casey. You should hear Annabelle's sweet little voice saying, "Go, Barrett, go!" (Kind of sounds more like, "Doh, Bearbear, doh!") You are one lucky kid with a lot of people who care about you very much!

And I am so lucky to be your mom. I love you more than words can express.

Love,

Mommy

Right now you love:
Steak
Cheeseburgers
Pringles
Cinnamon toast
Baseball
Chasing (poor little innocent) bunnies around the yard
Magic Tree House books
Legos
GoGurt
Minecraft

Here you are first thing in the morning on your birthday (this is kind of a series or comic strip) :