For the Love of Sam

I've sort of been in love with you, your whole life.

That's to be expected, I suppose.

You are my first born child...the little one that I cuddled, coddled, learned, and trial and errored nearly everything I know about parenting upon.

And, I know that every mother says this, but truly, you are an amazing child.

At nearly 10-years old, you are almost as tall as I am (and I count myself as one of the taller mamas), you have the most beautiful honey colored, crazy thick hair, bright blue eyes, super cool specs and a boundless passion and energy that just won't quit.

You are insanely bright.  And while I also count myself as one of the more curious people walking the planet, you are ridiculously intelligent.  At any given time, you can be found with your nose in a book digesting novels on knights, dragons, sharks, sorcerers, heroes, and dinosaurs.  You're knocking it out of the park academically and you bring so much love to my heart knowing how seriously that you take it all.

But the real joy is watching you with your friends, your sisters, your grandparents and perfect strangers.  You are a kind soul.  You are generous.  And even though you are often quiet and more introspective, you are aware and conscientious of those who are in need.  And you always come through to help.

I have to be honest.  I'm a little sad watching you grow up.  It won't be long before being at home won't be so cool and your friends' opinions and time will be more important than your dad's and mine.  And that's okay, that's how it's supposed to be.

So, if from time to time, I grab ahold of you for a hug, just indulge me.  I promise not to embarrass you or to hug too long.

It's just that I love you.  I'm so insanely proud of you.  And well, you're just growing up too fast.

For the love of you, Sam...