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So you’re eight today, a day I thought would surely take forever to get here; but here we are. I can go on and on about how I hate how fast time is going by, but this isn’t about that. This is about celebrating the boy you are becoming, and the little man you will be soon.

You are eight and I am older, but much, much better knowing you are coming along so nicely. I’m not really sure how we have accomplished this. I remember holding you in my arms when you were a baby, and wondering what you would be like when you grew up. I was anxious and nervous, but instantly calmed seeing your mother hold you and love you.

I see you around people, how polite and respectful you are… but it’s when I see that little mischevious twinkle in your eye that I love you the most. I also love you the most when I see how kind your heart is. I can’t decide between the two, so I’ll go with both.

You slept in our bed until a couple of years ago. I know you could have slept on your own, but it was really me that still wanted to hold you at night. I was the one that was a wreck when you and your brother moved into your own room. Weird, huh? I don’t really care, because those were years when I was working crazy hours and momma was hanging on to her sanity and the only time I had to connect with you was when we settled in at night and I was able to hold you as you fell asleep on my shoulder. I would do it all the same again, if I could.

One night about six months ago, when we just had moved into our new house and we were still getting a feel for things, I needed to go outside and get something out of my car. It was dark, I mean pitch dark, but you ran right by me into the night. I thought about how brave you were, how I might never had done that at your age, but then you came back running to me, grabbed my hand and led me to the car. I felt humbled that you wanted me to hold your hand, and grateful that you still needed that. I hope those days last a long time.

Computers and all things lego are an obssesion with you right now. It makes me laugh to think how alike we are, and how the same things I was into at your age you are currently obssesing about. Don’t worry, I drove my papa and momma crazy with it also. I have some personality flaws that I’m afraid I may have passed on to you also, but no worries there… I think I’ll understand you much better than I’ve understood myself so far.

It is amazing to see how you love your sister and brother. You are a wonderful older brother. You are patient beyond our dreams with your sister, sometimes so much more than your momma and I. That makes you pretty amazing.

Your mother and I love you. I tell you that every night when I put you to bed. I love that little ritual every night, and hate it when I miss it when I am traveling. I know the days are numbered on nightime rituals and wanting to hold my hand. It’s ok, I also enjoy watching you grow. But I do enjoy these days immensely. Happy Birthday buddy, I love you, and you can be sure that it won’t be the last time I tell you that.