Today You Are Seven

Dear Miles,

This morning I swooped you up and snuggled you. I asked you how you got so big and you told me, "That's just what happens, Mom. People just grow up." I asked if you'd always be my baby, even when you're a man. You told me, "Yep! Even when I'm a dad! Even when I'm DEAD!" We both laughed at that one. You always make me laugh. One of these days, you're going to be too big for your ol' mom to swoop up, but luckily that isn't today. Luckily I'll be able to lift you into bed and tuck your tiny body into the covers tonight. And luckily I'll be able to carry your sleepwalking body back into bed at midnight. But even when you're too big for me to do that, even when you're a big old man and I'm a very old mom, you will always and forever remain my baby boy. 

This school year you were supposed to start first grade. You were to finally be at school all day long and eat lunch there and make new friends. COVID-19 threw a wrench in our plans and you got to start first grade with a teacher named Mom, in a single room with two older kids you know very well already named Cruise and Jett. But you didn't show any disappointment. I've been so blessed to be able to get to know you on a different level because of it. I have found that you are really smart in math and that you love learning new things. You are hilarious and have big and creative ideas. You ask insightful questions and you love to lead others. Reading hasn't come easy to you, but you've continued to work hard at it and have had a deep desire to be able to read on your own. Recently you've been staying up (later than you're supposed to) to read more Piggie and Gerald books on your own after we've read one together already. 

Miles, I know your world is so different than mine was growing up. I know you don't get to play with your friends or go to museums or go on vacations. Right now your world is our house, our yard, and our cul-de-sac. But you rarely ever point out how unfair it is. Because it really is unfair. However, I have loved spending more time with you. You grow so quickly and in some small way, this pandemic has helped me hold on to your childhood more intently. I hope you look back when you're old with fond memories of this time. I hope you look back and see our home and our family as a refuge from the chaos and heartache of this world. 

About a week ago, Jett and I were making cookies and we had made way too many. It was your suggestion that we give some to neighbors. You were so excited to drop them off and to share them with the people in our neighborhood. So many people texted me and told me they loved being able to talk to you. After dropping off the 5th and final plate, you said, "Mom, I liked sharing with our neighbors. It makes me feel like a good person." I told you that you shared because you are a good person. 

Miles, I so very much love being your mom. You are so full of love and kindness and sweetness; you are such a bright light. You show people you love them by drawing them pictures and giving hugs and kisses. Please don't grow too much this year. But even if you do, you'll still be my baby and I'll always love you no matter what.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Love,

Mama