Happy Birthday, Joshua!!

Today is Joshua's 9th birthday. I have to confess, I feel a little shocked. I distinctly recall bringing him home from the hospital just a little bit ago. And now he's so grown up!! If I could get him to turn off the Star Wars Wii game and sit with me for a moment, I might say something like this:

Dear Josh,

Hello, big boy. I can't believe you are nine years old already! The time is just flying by so very quickly. You are so grown up -- so mature, and intelligent. I'm very proud of you, and so is your daddy. Neither of us could have imagined how very much we love you.

We love your caring spirit, how great you are with little ones, and your sense of humor. I love that you asked permission to start calling me Mom instead of Mama, because you didn't want to hurt my feelings. And I love that you invited almost everyone we know to your birthday party, including kids you don't particularly like, just so nobody felt bad.

Joshua Martin, your Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday, sonshine.

Love,

Mama