Dear Addison,
Today is your birthday. I am up early, and I have no doubt you will greet me soon pre-dawn. I learned this year via my Fit Bit Charge 2 that I’m a “lark.” A lark is someone who tends to wake earlier than most versus a night owl which I’m most definitely not. You and I share this innate ability to wake early always. Earlier than most.
Most people sleep past 6 or 7 a.m. Not us. You are a sweet lark greeting the morning quietly (like me) with books, computer time, and quiet. I’m thankful to get to share the quiet mornings with you even if we don’t talk that much it’s nice to have “company.”
Your company never ceases to impress. You have always been highly verbal. You talk a lot. But, we love that about you. You always have funny and profound things to say. Your mix of talents always amazes and baffles me. I truly don’t know what you will be when you grow up. You likely don’t yet either.
Likely you will be successful, determined, and sing a bit along the way. You are a talented big brother, and you share (most of the time) your knowledge and time well with your brother. We are so thankful to have two sons who get along so well. You creatively play together to invent elaborate cardboard forts, repeat You Tube experiments with whatever we have on hand, and patiently accept whatever is asked of you.
You came into this world eagerly at three weeks ahead of your due date, and I’m super thankful because you weighed 8lbs 3oz and greeted the world immediately in a funny way. You peed all over the nurse who held you right after your birth. You continue to make us laugh. Some of the funniest things you have done in your years include the following:
Drew a “stop sign” by the front door in our GA home when you were about 2 years old.
Painted with your “poo” once in GA and in KS when you were 2-3 years old.
Peed on the sidewalk chalk art of your peers at preschool (2 year old class). No fear for public urination apparently. I see a trend.
Had an imaginary pet rat named “Seeko” that you liked to blame for antics that you actually did growing up. He was with our family from your 2-4 year old stage of development. We later learned that kids with imaginary friends are quite bright and most definitely creative/imaginative.
At age 3 you greeted alongside us in your tiny suit coat church members after your brother’s baptism as if you were a grown up. Possible future in church, political, or other leadership?!
By age 4 you were building Lego creations that were amazing.
By age 5 you were ready for Kindergarten in Kansas with no fear.
By age 6 you were entering the 1st grade in Florida and ready to play tackle football. You had wanted to play since you were little, and you went with a strength and tenacity that still impresses me. You are strong. Your team was intense, and it fit you well. However, you also learned that football was one of many sports you were game to try.
By age 7 you were reading avidly.
By age 8 you were starting to learn about science in hands on ways. Remember the Kinetic Stick bombs with hundreds of jumbo craft sticks? Yeah you did those, and you taught your classmates, your brother, and me how to do them too.
By age 9 you were starting to discover your talents as an actor/singer. You enjoyed being “on stage” and confidently delivered lines in Junior Broadway productions at our church. You impress Mr. Tim enough to have gained these roles through the years: King Triton, Little Mermaid; Colonel Hathi, The Jungle Book; Timone, The Lion King.
By age 10 you had taught yourself about computer coding, college level Chemistry, and read more books than I can count. You developed a computer program with impressive possible applications. Talkily is an impressive way to make another mark on this world.
Now, at age 11 years you are beginning to embark on the tween years. You are mature, yet silly. I love that you are bridging child and adulthood. I just had you enter the office…it’s 5:01 a.m. He doesn’t want to read this (yet), but now he has a dream to tell me about…..
Love you Addison and Happy Birthday!
Mom
