Guys.
I have a seven year old.
I can’t even believe it.
My very first baby – the one who made me a mommy – is seven. Peek back at his birth story if you’re interested. I wasn’t as long winded back in those days 😉 Though it appears the pictures from that post are almost all broken. Ah well. Can’t win them all.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Its been a BIG year. In some ways, Dekker has changed immensely, and in others, he looks exactly the same as he did one year ago.
One year ago, he was turning six, and his broken mommy and daddy couldn’t pull it together and make him a party. There was just no way. Grief was too deep. My amazing mom took initiative, confirmed a couple of things with us, and made a party at her house. We all played in the backyard, roasted hot dogs over the fire, ate cake, and opened presents. Balloons were tied to the deck, even. Over and over, Dekker gushed that it was the best day of his life. He knew how hard we were struggling, and while I know he genuinely LOVED his party, I also think he was so enthusiastic to somehow reassure our aching hearts that he was content and felt loved. He still talks about that party to this day as a happy time for him.
In the last year, he’s crushed grade one, lost a couple of teeth, has braved up in terms of really any kind of appointment, and has learned way better how to play with others. Especially the little ones! He LOVES the young ones, and is so patient with them. His heart is soft and warm. When he was younger, we had a pretty hard time with how sensitive he was to everything. I remember telling myself that, one day, his sensitivity was going to be a WONDERFUL quality, not one that limited him. And folks, we’re there. He is just one of the very best people I know, and its SO exciting watching him slowly grow into himself and find his feet. I fear he already looks like a teenager…
Dekker Thomas, I love you from the bottom of my heart aaaaall the way to the top. I love your silliness and your confidence. I love your sweetness and your softness. I love your love for your family, and your wonder towards new things. I love your willingness and your work ethic. I love your contentedness and your peacefulness. I love when you color and when you sing along to music in the van. I love your kisses and your tolerance of my gently squashing you with hugs. I love your jokes and when you read.
You. Are. Amazing. Don’t be too grown up too fast!