I don’t think I will ever get over how handsome he is.  The one who made me a mommy on May 1st, 2015 (5/1/15- went into labor the night before, which was the first night of the NFL draft, husband would not leave the house until the Bucs made their first pick), born at 10:15 a.m., 9lbs 3.5oz, over 13 hours of labor, a fourth degree episiotomy (TMI), NEVER took a bottle (or paci for that matter), ball and chain newborn… my life changed so much that first year of this precious boy’s life… physically, mentally, emotionally… biggest blessing to EVER happen to me!

Looking at him today and watching videos of him as a baby, I sit back and feel beyond fortunate to be his mama.

Bennett,

Today we celebrate you.  As I sit here thinking about all the things that make you who you are, something comes to mind that happened a few weeks ago.  I asked you what you wanted for your birthday, something that normally would not even have to be asked by parents because their child is constantly telling them everything they could possibly want, but with you… you never ask for anything (except candy, lol).  I was recording the exchange on my phone because both grandma’s were asking for birthday present ideas, and I’m so glad I did.  I asked you what you wanted, and you deeply pondered.  You thought and thought about what it was you really wanted.  And then you said, “I don’t know”.  Almost like it didn’t matter to you at all if you got anything or not.  It was not a big priority for you.  And that is one of the million amazing things about you, my sweet child.  I love that you are so content with life the way it is. No need for anything. Just happy.

Also, since it’s your birthday, I have to brag about you a little bit.  This year, you are in first grade, and things are getting a little more serious.  School work is harder, homework every night, lots of reading and comprehension, math, tests, actual grades! and report cards that are for real!  It’s a lot, but you handle it with ease. No problem.  Every report card comes with notes from the teacher about the student, and I so look forward to that portion of it.  Every semester this year, the note got more and more detailed, and lengthy, this last one for Q3 was my favorite by far.  I’m not going to write out the entire thing because most of it was about how smart you are and… well… we all know that already, but I am just so proud of the final few lines from your teacher, she wrote:

“Bennett is a positive role model in the classroom. He arrives every day ready to learn. His assignments are neat and accurate. He works well with his peers and is always positively contributing to the class. He is a joy to have in my class and I am looking forward to a strong 4th quarter finish in 1st grade!”

Wow, it just blew me away knowing that someone so important to your every day life in school recognized these qualities in you and decided to share them with me!

In addition to school, you are still working hard to advance in martial arts, again, this is becoming more challenging because you now have to be invited to test for the next belt, it’s not just given to you anymore if you show up… have to practice more and work harder. I love that work ethic it’s producing in you. You also are in Minor C baseball where the games are becoming a bit more serious, there are outs, score is kept, no more hitting off the tee, understanding the rules a bit more, AND you have started playing on a small basketball league! My goodness you are busy. But you love it all!

Today is all about you my sweet boy. I hope you feel how loved you are by everyone who knows you. You are pure joy for me and I absolutely adore you.

Happy Birthday,

Mom