To my son, on your birthday.

Happy birthday, [first name]! You're 7. Unbelievable.

At your young age you have already shown a resiliency and fearlessness that I'm kind of in awe of. Your imagination and creativity is super "boy" and I still don't totally "get" it but I'm happy to come along with you on your adventures. Your ability to create games and challenges out of thin air is captivating and a definite skill that I hope that you never lose.

You are opinionated and you are stubborn. But you always have been, so whatever. Your surefootedness will suit you well as an adult. You are working towards having full autonomy but maybe listen to your mom every once in a while. I know stuff, too, ya know. And you're still in single digits. Let's save that sassy energy for your teen years, please. I'm just not ready to go toe-to-toe with you yet, you're my baby. But man, you drive me absolutely nuts sometimes. Your intensity is unmatched.

You have been fascinated with the four elements lately: Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. We've discussed how you are fire and I am water. My wish is that I can guide you and help temper that energy so you can produce warmth once you're out in the world on your own. When people know you, they are only able to describe you as this, "well, ya know, [name] is ... [name]." And I think they're referring to that fire inside you. You certainly hold a superpower, so let mom help you use it for good.

We are all starting to "do our own thing" around the house and sometimes I overhear you and [younger brother] doing whatever two little boys do. You two have an amazing relationship. You teach each other so much. You're really starting to step into a leadership role with [brother]. Just the other day you taught him how to take care of [dog]’s food and water. As the last picture shows, you are able to guide your brother to your destination. With a natural turn around to wave and smile goodbye to me to let me know you got it under control.

You are one of my best friends, [first middle]. I love you so much. Thank you for the jokes, the cuddles, the laughs, the lessons, the entertainment, and for you pushing me to be a better person and the best mom I can be. You are force to be reckoned with and I'm so proud to be on your team. Love you.