Dear Miles,
It feels like eleven is kind of that border between childhood and teen years, and although it's been creeping up on us, I still think you're my little three year old toddler dancing and playing and making faces for the camera. The realization that coming up in just a few short months, you'll be receiving the Priesthood, passing sacrament, and attending the temple, it's kind of thrown me a little. Being my youngest, everything with you is the last for me. This is the last 11th birthday we'll be celebrating in our home. It's the last 5th grade class I'll attend parent teacher conferences for. You're the last kid to be shorter than me. So you growing up is especially bittersweet for me. But I guess the positive in all that is that I am really trying to soak it all in: the feelings and the experiences of this age.
Miles, you are a Mama's boy, and I hope that will always be the case. You are so quick to give me hugs and kisses. You still want me to tuck you in at night, and you miss me terribly when I'm away. You want snuggles and stories and me just to listen to you. And despite me sometimes not really knowing what on earth you're talking about, the fact that you are talking to me about something so incredibly exciting for you, is heaven.
You are so incredibly smart, Miles. Sometimes too smart. So smart that I regularly feel like I'm not doing a good-enough job finding a great schooling situation for you. You test above your peers and it can be frustrating for you to feel like school is too easy or boring. But, I am so enamored at the fact that you so willingly help your classmates with their math, to the point that you organized your own math tutoring group. You love to help other people achieve and succeed.
You're a good friend and brother. You have friends that love spending time and playing with you. I get texts from parents saying you're such a good kid and that they hope you rub off on their kiddos. You love playing with your brothers when they give you their time, and they love spending that time with you. You are funny and creative and a good problem solver. You love to help dad with any of his projects and you want so much to be like him when you grow up. I hope you are.
You love going on adventures, camping, wakeboarding, swimming, playing baseball, snowmobiling and snowboarding, and trying new things. You face your fears even when it's terrifying. You feel deeply and empathetically. You love giving and making a difference. You love to feel needed and to have a purpose. You love animals and want to be a veterinarian or zoologist when you grow up. You are so many things, but most importantly, you are a child of God. And you're my amazing son, Miles.
Happy Birthday, my great, big, baby boy!
All My Love,
Mom
