Dear Miles,
Gosh, I can't believe you're eight already. It went so fast! People often say, "It seems like just yesterday..." but really, it really, really does. One minute you fit in my arms, all tiny and snuggly, and the next you're all arms and legs. But I'm glad you're still snuggly. You woke up this morning, excited that it was finally your birthday (you've been counting the days for months). You went to get dressed and lo and behold, you grew out of a pair of jeans and a favorite shirt. It's like your body was just waiting for your birthday be rid of your size 7 jeans and size small shirts. Thank goodness for hand-me-down clothes!
Miles, I first just want to say how pleased I am with who you are and the choices you make. Yes, you make mistakes just like the rest of us, but you make a lot of really, really, really good decisions. You are a good friend, brother, and son. You're smart and love to learn. You are kind and respectful. You are funny and helpful. You look out for other people and you know right from wrong. The other day, I sort of choked on something at dinner and I started to cough. And I coughed and coughed. You came up to me and patted me on the back, then ran to the kitchen and got me a glass of water as quick as you could. No one asked you to, you just saw the need, and took action. That's the sort of person you are. I'm so blessed to be your mom.
This past year we have found ourselves still in a massive pandemic. It's been tough to be a kid during this time, especially for kids like you who need friends and school and playdates. You started a new school this year with new teachers, new friends, new routines, and a few new clothes. You met it with optimism, hope, and complete joy. You've made friends easily and have loved learning new things and having new experiences. And as tough as it is for me to send you out into a world that gives so many reasons to stay at home, your happiness and excitement make it so much easier. You're such a good example to me and so many.
Miles, this year is a big year for you! You're getting baptized next week and that is so exciting! Today I asked you if you were ready, and you said, "Oh yes! I am so excited!" I asked you how it feels to be eight, and you said, "happy". You're making such an important decision and I am so pleased that you're excited to be making covenants with your Heavenly Father who loves you more than either of us can fathom. I'm so proud of you.
Thank you for being my baby. I couldn't have asked for a better kid to be my youngest. Today I looked at those clothes you grew out of and realized I'd never see those clothes on one of my kids again. It's weird to mourn things like that, but as you grow, each thing you grow out of becomes the last, and I'm a little sad. But you've got a lot of things to grow out of still, and I'm grateful for every day I have to watch you grow, and grow, and grow out of more things.
Miles, I hope this year is so kind to you. I hope you continue to love school and make friends. I hope that this pandemic will finally end and you can play maskless and attend all the parties, play with all the kids, and not have to worry about such depressing issues. I hope you never lose that joy and hope that beams from your adorable, toothy face. And I hope you never question how much you are loved. My goodness, you are so loved.
Happy Birthday, sweet boy. I am so grateful I get to be your Mama.
Love,
Mom
