Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Our firstborn is nine years old. I keep telling him how fast the time has gone by, that just yesterday, he was a beautiful stranger sleeping in my arms. He just shakes his blonde head at me and says "Oh, MOM!"

But it's true. He's been a gift. He's been a challenge. He's been both the joy and bain of my existence. He's stubborn, proud, smart beyond his years, talented and wise. He's obsessed with football and fishing. He does well in school, and enjoys learning new things. He spends hours watching the Discovery Channel (shark week was must see tv at our house!), his favorites being Man vs. Wild, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, and Deadliest Catch.

This summer, he has enjoyed teaching his sister how to ride a two wheeler, fishing with his Dad, exploring the neighborhood on his bike, and perfecting his Guitar Hero skills.

He's only going to get bigger, which I cannot even fathom, being that he used to be so tiny. He's now over four feet tall, and inching closer to 65 pounds. How did this happen to me? How did my little munchkin grow into a young man?

Happy birthday buddy! I hope your life is filled with football games, fishing trips, and dirty jobs!