Monday, February 4, 2008

Blink

Dear McKay,

Today you are ten years old. I look back and cannot believe how fast the time has gone.

You were born in Minneapolis on a crisp, sunny February day (although I have still not forgiven you for that, as you were supposed to be born on January 28). Your delivery was a little stressful for your dad and I. You somehow managed to get that cord tangled around your little neck, which is quite a feat considering the cramped quarters you were living in at the time. You came out perfect though, in the end, for which I am eternally grateful.

I can still picture you in your Daddy's arms that first time, just minutes old. You had your eyes wide open, and sat there just staring at Daddy's face while sucking on your little thumb. He rocked you slowly, back and forth, in a white wooden rocker, and I just held my breath. My heart felt like it was going to burst. I knew in that moment what it finally meant to love. You were my boys. Together at last. What started out as me and him became a family that day with you.

I can still picture you as a bald, cheerful newborn baby. You were the easiest of my three babies, and you rarely cried. I can remember even calling Oma and asking her if there was something wrong with you because you never cried. She laughed and told us to enjoy you. Which we did. You grew quickly and happily, and have never given us an ounce of trouble. You've met all your challenges thus far with a smile and a cheerful attitude.


You have broken us in as parents. Yours is the unhappy task of doing everything first and watching us make our mistakes on you. It's not hard to go easy on you though because you try so hard to please. You notice little things, like when I'm cranky, and you gently ask me if I need to eat something. You make sure to stop and play Hannah's games, even though you're dying to get back to your own stuff. You are the best friend Chase could ever have. Your strengths compliment his, and I know you will always be there to support him.

You are getting too big to sit on my lap and hug me anymore (I tried the other day and you thought you were going to die), but I know that you still need your Mama. I'm the one you run to, cheerfully waving a math test in your hand with a bright, red "A" scrawled on the top. I'm the one you hug tight when you go to bed, even though you pretend to think it's gross. You can still pretend, because deep down inside, I know. And that's more than enough for me.

So happy birthday, Mack. I could not be prouder of the boy you are, and I cannot wait to see the man you will become.

Love,

Mama

32 comments:

Annie said...

Lovely. What a fitting tribute to a great boy. Sam still considers him a favorite friend.

p.s. Happy Birthday, McKay & welcome to the double digits!

Kristin said...

I hardly made it through this post because of the tears in my eyes, man I want my oldest to come home so I can still hug him and hold him on my lap. I am so scared of the days when he wont think that is cool anymore.

Bridget said...

What a handsome boy he is! He is so sweet too. I still remember him patiently trying to get to sleep as Chase, "the devil on his shoulder" would keep him up while they were tucking in our guest bed. I can't believe he is 10 years old!! That sounds so big. I'll be awaiting photos of the party on your photo blog.

danandcindy said...

I can see how McKay would think that hugging you is gross.

Happy Birthy Mac. I wish we were there to celebrate with you pal.

Diane said...

What a sweet post! These years pass all too quickly. I'm glad you're taking a moment to remember and enjoy!

Anonymous said...

that is an amazing post... what a way to reflect and celebrate. happy birthday!

Emily said...

I love that you do these letters for the kids' birthdays. They are wonderful and your kids are too. I remember you calling me one morning saying you had overslept and without your knowledge McKay had gotten up and started breakfast for the other two. You found them all happily eating waffles with peanut butter that he had fixed. I am waiting for a day like that. What a great boy!

Kimberly said...

Happy Birthday McKay, what a sweet boy you have!

Liz said...

I think it's great that he asks you if you need to eat something when you seem grumpy! He sounds like a great big brother/oldest child.

Hollyween said...

Awwwww.... so sweet!!! What a great mom you are!!! Loved that tribute! I might have to copy you for Levi's 6th.

Amanda D said...

Happy birthday to your sweet son.

I left an award for you at my blog...

Jessica said...

Perfect age for my Emma...can we arrange that one? She's very cute and would come with a nice set of in-laws!

Ashlee said...

Isn't it so sad when they get older? As much as we want them to continue to grow and learn, it's so hard to see them stop being little.

D-dawg said...

SO sweet. There's something about #1 that is just the best and extra special. I hope he had a great day!

Celia Fae said...

Ah, the double digits. It's a whole new world. Gorgeous picture and I'm so glad you have such a great first kid. It helps to break in the parents.

crystal said...

You are such a good writer. I mean that. REALLY good.

What a darling, perfect letter for him to read when he's older. :)

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

What a beautiful tribute! My oldest is going to be 10 this year and it's so hard to believe.

Mique (as in Mickey) said...

You had to do the best birthday post didn't you? Now my poor Julia & Jonathan will feel like their mother doesn't quite love them as much as you love your McKay. Just kidding.
Your writing really does make me smile. What a great kiddo for a great mom. Happy Birthday!!!!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Awwwwwwww, Happy Birthday, MACK!

Amy said...

Happy Birthday McKay! I can still remember the first time I met you. I was on my way back to SLC after my mission was over. I had a little stop over in Minneapolis. You were sooooooo cute. You were just learning to sit up. Happy and smiley just like your mom said.

Love you!
Aunt Nim

Jake said...

McKay is adorable. I remember when you brought him to visit the first time. He was THE cutest and best behaved baby I had ever seen. We took him everywhere and he was the STAR...remember eating dinner at the Washington Crossing Inn? I would never have dared bring one of my own into that place! He is a great great kid! Happy Birthday!!

Emy5 said...

Happy Birthday to McKay. I still remember him....only much younger. Lovely post from mom to son.

marta said...

stie, this is the sweetest. what a doll that mack is. i remember his little boy ways, playing in the Oma room and wearing a turban while we played cards outside on the deck. he has always been a friendly cheerful kid, even from day one.

happy birthday, mckay. we love you a lot. double digits are the best!

kathi said...

Dear McKay....Happy birthday to you! we love you so much! You Rock! I remember when you were born you were so handsome. I didn't think you could be more handsome and look at you now...WOW! I remember when your mom was 10. she was so cute, and look at her now....WOW!!!! Have lots, and lots and lots more birthdays! Love ya! Grandma

Jenibelle said...

I don't even know either of you and I am teary eyed!! Please don't tell my 11 year old he is too old to hug and kiss his momma, I live for those moments. From a total stranger...Happy Birthday McKay and you are so lucky to have such a wonderful mother!

Lisa-Marie said...

Very beautiful. I think that both Momma and son are two very lucky people!

Hope his day is wonderful!

Unknown said...

What a sweet tribute. My baby should have been born on his birthday, but I couldn't wait! I'm super emotional when I read things about kids growing up so fast...I hope mine turn out to be as sweet as yours are!

Travelin'Oma said...

I remember the day we first heard about McKay. We had visited you in Minneapolis, and said good-bye. Back in our hotel we were watching some Jazz game that was a big deal, and you guys knocked on our door. When you came in, you said you were preggers!!! We were so thrilled! Then John Stockton hit a basket from half-court to win the game, save the day, and celebrate the occasion!

mahina said...

that is a very sweet letter to a very handsome 10 year old! good job! happy birthday!

Lauren in GA said...

Oh, Stie...
That was so beautifully written. Truly.

What a sweet young man. I laughed about him feeling like he was going to die because of a hug. I guess they all do that...or at least mine does :)

Happy Birthday!

Chatter said...

What a beautiful, beautiful letter and what a wonderful son you have raised :). Happy Birthday McKay!

Family Adventure said...

Such a lovely letter, Stie. He sounds like a wonderful boy, and I can understand why you are so proud of him!

Happy - belated - Birthday McKay!

Heidi