This is the 9th letter I've written to you because I wrote one to you before you were even born. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around that. In some ways time passes by so slowly, but then you look back and realize it's really been going fast. 8 years ago, you made me a Mom. The one job in life that I knew I wanted. (I know it seems questionable sometimes, but I love you boys so very much.)
You get really annoyed with me when I tell you to stop growing up, because you're logical and know that you have no control over that.
You seemed to have a good 7th year. You excelled in 1st Grade, just as we knew you would. You had the most amazing teacher, Mrs. Lively, who kept you busy learning new things and challenging you along the way. You also made new friends. You never cease to amaze me. I was never one to easily make friends because I was timid and shy when it came to meeting new people. Let's be honest...I still am. You however, can make friends with just about anyone. It doesn't matter who they are. You're the kid that sees the ones feeling left out and invites them to play with you. It makes my heart happy.
We survived our first (and hopefully only) tornado last December. One week from tomorrow marks 1 year. It doesn't seem that long ago. An EF-3 tornado. I'll never ever forget the sounds or how scared I was for you boys, but God kept us safe. You rebounded pretty quickly though...although the first time the sirens sounded again after the tornado, you were pretty scared, so we played Would You Rather in the basement at 1:00am.
You took your very first plane ride. I was a little worried that you might be scared, but I didn't expect the sheer panic you and James experienced. The engines sounded like the tornado. For you though, I think it was more or less the altitude changes that you hated the most. I can't say I blame you. I'm not a big fan either, but you spent half the trip holding a barf bag and occasionally hyperventilating. After the flight though, you got to sit in the cockpit! We took candy canes for you guys to pass out to the flight crew and they invited you up. Pa and James were already off the plane, but I thought that was a very cool experience for you. I didn't even know they let anyone up there after 9/11.
While we were in California, you were a ring bearer in Aunt Erica and Uncle Chris' wedding.
We got to go to Lego Land and you absolutely loved it there. I wasn't sure how much you would really want to do because you're my cautious kid. You and Uncle Chris are 2 peas in a pod though. Anything he would do, you would do too. It was so special to see you bond with him.
You even got to see the ocean for the first time. What a great experience for you.
You and James were ring bearers again for Aunt Nens and Uncle James' wedding in May. You're an old pro at that now.
You played on your very first Little League team and loved it. I wasn't sure how it would go since it was your first time ever playing on a team, but you grew so much from the first practice to the end of the season. You're already excited to play again in the spring.
You finished First Grade and spent the summer doing fun things here and there when we could. I'll admit, I didn't make it the best summer because I was struggling with some stuff, but we found plenty of adventures along the way. Our trips to Iowa are always fun. Mimi T always has fun things planned. We went to the pool a few times and you were finally brave enough to go into deeper water.
In August you began 2nd Grade. It's your last year at North School. Next year you move to Memorial. I think I'm probably more sad about that than you, but I've just loved your experience there and pray all goes well in the coming year. You continue to excel at everything you do. Your testing this year put you WAY ahead on the charts! I'm so proud of you. The only thing you've complained about is that you're not learning division yet and you thought 2nd grade would be ALL about division!
Other things that are popping into my mind are:
You are a giant, kid. You're so tall that I'll bet you pass me up by 5th grade.
You're finally starting to enjoy reading more.
You have the biggest and kindest heart. You love to do kind things for other people. That makes me extra proud because I've always worked to instill that in you!
I think you're 90% sure that Santa isn't real and 10% still thinks you should probably believe just in case. I'm still not ready for this...but here's the thing...I still believe. <3 always="" do="" hope="" i="" p="" so="" too.="" you="">
<3 always="" do="" hope="" i="" p="" so="" too.="" you="">You take 50000 years to tell a story. It's just who you are. I take a lot of deep breaths, but you are detail oriented and you also want to make sure you're clear and concise. The way your mind thinks is baffling to me, but I have no doubt in my mind that you're going to do big and amazing things one day because of it. So, you keep doing you kiddo.
I love that you enjoy going to church and that you know where you will spend your eternity. We've talked about baptism and while I think you're interested, you aren't fully ready yet, and that's okay. I want you to do it when you feel ready.
I love you to the moon and back, Bub. I can't wait to see where this next year takes you.
Happy 8th Birthday, Daniel!
Love,
Mom
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