One of the best days of my life was seven years ago today. As I look at his sweet little face still sleeping in our bed this am, I am smiling. I am sure I never really knew what love was until Max entered our lives. He is a wonderful kid and I feel lucky to be his mom. Everyday he amazes me with his zest for life, enthusiasm, intellect and love. He is full of love. Not a morning has gone by since he went with me to Michigan when Ellie was born, that he hasn't kissed her and told her how much he loves her. Max had to leave California just prior to Sam's birth (Sam made us wait a bit) so Sam was a couple weeks old when Max first set eyes on him and he has been the proud big brother showing him the ropes since. Sam often gets kisses, but more often love taps, according to Max he has to remember Sam doesn't want all the girly stuff! He is teaching Sam to be a little rascal and all three have so much fun together!
This year Max did a whole lot of growing up. He became a wonderful reader and a real math whiz. At the start of first grade he was asked by the teacher to work on his handwriting and by the end he was producing very neat writing. Spelling like a pro. For the most part I have officially become Mom to him and am sadly no longer his Mommy. It struck me most often when dropping him off each day at school, he kissed and hugged us the block before school and then quickly left the car behind and raced into be with his friends. It is both my favorite and dreaded part of each day. I love seeing him thrive and enjoy his life, yet at the same time we miss him all day. Sam and Ellie look for the bus everyday at the kitchen window and are so excited when Max steps off. Max loves to see them waiting for him and races down the driveway waiving and blowing kisses. All three are so excited to see one another. He hugs and wrestles with them for a few wonderful moments. . . and then he remembers he is a big kid and is off to call a friend to go and play with. Although we don't always see it at home, we are told be everyone what a polite and kind boy he is. Both his Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers have told us, he is the kid in the class that tries to make everyone comfortable and happy. He uses humor and making fun of himself to help others feel a part of the group. He goes out of his way to be nice to kids that perhaps need a friend. We love that quality and are so proud of him.
His passion for all things that use a round ball has continued this year. He really found this year, that he loves to play basketball in addition to soccer and baseball. For his birthday we have installed a basketball hoop in the driveway. This sixth year of life has also seen his competitive drive grow in often the wrong direction and it is a constant issue that we work on. He is making real strides in trying to keep it in check and has had to face the consequences when he is not a good sport. Luckily those times are getting few and far between.
Another clue that he is on his way to the teen years quicker than we are ready for happened a couple of weeks ago when visiting Steve's parents. Max and I were walking in downtown and he kept looking at his reflections in the store windows. He asked me if I thought he was losing his tan with all the rain . . . why worry about that I asked? He informed me that it made him look really cute and all his favorite girls love him with a tan. Ughhhhh, growing up way too fast!
Happy Birthday Max- We love you like crazy!
