my favorite number

Oh, my Little Brown Mouse,

When I was little, my favorite number was always my age until I turned 9. I liked that number, so I stuck with it, even as I got older. Now, here you are, my 'baby,' turning 9. And 9, like it was for Lala, I can see already, is starting with a bang.

You are a firecracker, little man. You always have been. You are up for just about anything. You are still so young and snuggly, but so wise and mature sometimes. You aware that not everyone your age (or older!) is or can be and you are compassionate about it and oh so forgiving.

It is a joy and pleasure to be your Mama and to spend my days learning from you and alongside you. Right now, you love so many of the things you have always loved and you continue to explore them in new ways, to 'own' them as parts of what makes you tick. You love soccer (woo hoo #4!), building, science, and math. You still love your Tigger and Teddy Bear. You still love snuggles and tickle monster, Boppers, and to "play with me, Mama!" You are questioning things more and resisting certain things more now, which is just about right for your age, but is bittersweet, too.

I love you Little Brown Mouse. Happiest of birthdays, today, as you travel around the sun once more.

Love, Mamma