happy 8th birthday hunter,
your journal entry yesterday read, “tomorrow is my birthday. i feel taller already.”
and this morning, sure enough, you were. before my very eyes, in what feels like a single breath, you became big. a certifiable kid. a person who every day needs me less. a boy with unlimited ideas and energy, dreams and ambitions. a man with a million plans.
this week we wrapped up 2nd grade and finished our third year of homeschooling. i am beyond proud of all you accomplished and learned! you worked on fractions, multiplication, borrowing/regrouping, and telling time. together we explored patriotic symbolism, economics, and the united states presidents. you took your art talents to the next level, strengthened your public speaking skills, and are quickly becoming a beautiful poet.
this year you found new hobbies in wood carving, ice skating, and collecting baseball cards. you formed new friendships while strengthening your existing bonds. you always play fair. hunny you are sweet to snoop dogg and for the most part remain a giant pain in the ass to your sister. you love your cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles ferociously. you make baba and i proud every day.
hunter i am in awe of your ability to trust in the lord. you pray as hard as you play! you happily attend early saturday morning ccd classes, take it upon yourself to pray with me, and work hard at memorize all the prayers in the rosary. your focus and questions during our daily devotionals inspire me to dive deeper into my own faith and to continue questioning and exploring the bible, our lord jesus christ, and what it means to be a good human and catholic. i cannot wait to watch you receive your first holy communion next week. may god continue to bless you always.
this year you continued to rise before dawn, still asked to go to bed before anyone else in the family was tired, and used up every bit of each waking moment. you are always creating, collecting, reading, dreaming, and scheming. my prayer for this next year is that you stay exactly as you are.
i love you my boy.
