Happy Birthday, Little Middle!

Dear Little Middle,

You are six years old today! I feel like I say it every year, but really...where is the time going? Easter is just around the corner, and I was remembering today that when you were a tiny infant, we had this silly little footie pajama outfit that I put you in on Easter Sunday. It had ducks on the feet part. I clearly remember you laying in your crib and kicking those little duck heads all around. It wasn't the greatest outfit I have ever dressed you in, but you were sweet enough then to be adorable in duck footies. You've shown me that some of the most important things in life don't change.

This has been a big year for you! One of the biggest things that has happened is that you started school. You were pretty nervous about going, but your great personality and sweet spirit have made it easy for you to fit in and make friends. It was just a few months ago that you read the first pages of a book--Green Eggs and Ham!!--and now there's not much you can't read! You like math, and every time your class starts a new unit in social studies, you scour your bedroom looking for an acceptable toy or book to share with your friends. God was listening when I asked Him for the perfect kindergarten teacher for you. Mrs. W has become my friend, too, and we have a great time together talking about how wonderful you are! The two of you share a birthday--what a fun day it was today at kindergarten!

Another big thing that has happened this year is that you have become quite the little athlete. You are really into karate and soccer. I almost could not bear your cuteness the first time I saw you in your karate uniform! You have surprised us with your affection for this sport, which involves quite a bit of one-on-one with the instructor. You never seem intimidated or shy in class, and even less during tournaments! You have brought home two first-place trophies and one second-place trophy, all of which you display proudly in your room.

You, my son, have turned me into the stereotypical "soccer mom." I carry lawn chairs in the back of my SUV, kick soccer balls with you in the backyard, and spend my spring Saturday mornings cheering for you from the sidelines. You love the game, and you are good at it. Daddy and I are so proud of you!

You can be silly, and you make us laugh a lot. Some of my favorite quotes are credited to you! You recently said to your little brother, "Baby, you are a tumbleweed," and told me that you wanted to change your middle name to Cheese Sauce. I don't know where you come up with this stuff, but I love it!

You are still a big fan of Star Wars and Legos. You love to be outside, and you only wear shoes if we specifically tell you to put them on. You like to be comfortable--you love your "soft" pants and shorts, and I don't think you could ever have too many pairs of pajamas! You like video games, bike rides, and going to church. You adore cheese pizza and "special" beds on the floor.

A few weeks ago we had a family meeting. Daddy and I had the hard job of telling you and your brothers that my cancer had come back. You were sad--not so much because you understand all that cancer really means, but because you love me and you don't want me to be sick. Since then, I've had surgery and have been resting a lot at home. Just the other day, you came in and asked if you could lie down with me. It was cold outside, and it felt good to cuddle with you. After you were all situated under the covers, you snuggled up to me, and ever so softly began to sing the old Beatles hit "One Is the Loneliest Number."

Precious little boy, there are a lot of things in this life that I'm just not certain about. But here are a few things I know for sure: I am never lonely when I am with you. You, sweet boy, fill my heart with love and joy. Getting to be your mom is one of the greatest privileges of my life. You are important to our family, and you are cemented in my heart. You and your brothers are the reasons I will fight as hard as I can, because I don't want to miss one minute of YOU.

Happy Birthday, Little Middle. Your mommy loves you.

Love,

Mommy