It seems like 5 minutes ago that I woke up at 3:00am with what I thought were gas pains. It turned out it was something far more important. It was time for us to go to the hospital for the birth of our first child.
Approximately 12 hours later, the words "it's a boy" were heard in the delivery room. My husband and I did not "officially" know that he was going to be a boy. By "officially" I mean that we told my doctors and ultrasound technicians that we wanted to be surprised and did not want to know the sex of the baby. However, the real surprise would have been if he were a girl. As many a mom will tell you, sometimes you just know. I knew I was having a boy, and we have been blessed with the greatest son in the world.
Today, he turns 11. This next bit will sound very objective, in the "I'm his mom" vein of objectivity. He is truly the love of my life and a remarkable person. He is funny, kind, smart, interested and interesting, and always ready for any adventure. When he was little, he asked my husband and me "how come I'm the only one who asks why all the time?" We asked him "why do you ask why all the time? He said, "because I want to know". That still defines him to me. He loves to read and learn and ask why, because he still "wants to know".
I know we are now at the threshold of a very important time in his life, where he will begin to face "big kid" challenges. In fact, tomorrow, at school is "the talk". My husband has already had some of "the talk" with him, so he won't be blind sided. He is more ready for all of this than I am. I still want him to be my little guy, but I am proud of the young man he is becoming. It is my fervent prayer that I will be the mom he needs as he charts a course through these new waters. I pray he will know that he can trust me, that his home is his haven, and that no matter what I love him with all my heart.
Happy Birthday!
Skylar is all you have said and more. I am blessed to be his grandmother, and I was blessed to be there when he was born. He has been a source of constant joy, some mischief :), and tons of fun. I love his inquisitiveness, his sense of adventure, his sweetness, his love of family. I have faith that with his upbringing he has strength of moral value which will guide him as he grows. I wish him the happiest of birthdays and many many more.
Posted by: HHKaysie | April 02, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Dear New Diva,
First, thanks for your comments and support of my blog. Very much appreciated.
Happy Birthday to that bright and beautiful 11 year old young man! I said, when I was having children, that what I wanted most, after 10 fingers and 10 toes of course, was the trait of inquisitiveness. Good for him!
If I didn't already know that you are, and always will be, the mom he needs, I would know with certainty from your words and prayer above. I don't doubt that you will meet your, and your children's, challenges with wisdom and grace because I so clearly see that in you, though it is often difficult to see it in one's self. I am so very proud of you. You embody the best of responsible, loving motherhood. That's what makes you as beautiful inside as you are on the outside.
Sincerely, from one of your not-so-secret admirers,
UG
Posted by: UG | April 02, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Skylar is a delight. I love being around him and appreciate the fact that he is growing by leaps & bounds. Someday he might be able to lose to me at kadima like his dad.
Is there any way you can keep his sweet little sister from growing up? I love her just the way she is.
Posted by: Grandpa | April 02, 2009 at 05:30 PM
Happy Birthday, terrific and smart young Skylar! He's only been on this earth for 11 years and look at all he has accomplished!
Eleven is a wonderful age and does seem to be the beginning of a new "phase" in a child's life. Skylar is most definitely a special young boy and I treasure any time I get to spend with him and with his family!
As for you, sweet B. You are truly a wonderful Mom and I love the way you interact with, teach, and love your children! You are a such a good mother to both of them. If only more children could benefit from the same kind of intelligent mothering, respect, and tenderness you and Tori show your little ones.
With my love and admiration,
Aunt V.
Posted by: Aunt Vicki | April 02, 2009 at 08:24 PM
What a wonderful post about your handsome son! To me, this is one of the things that is wonderful about blogging -- someday as an adult he will be able to read what you have written about him on your blog, and will know how fortunate he was to have a mom (and dad, of course) who loved him so much and always encouraged the best in him!
Happy Birthday, Skylar!
Posted by: Sandra | April 03, 2009 at 01:18 AM
SUCH a handsome boy!!! Happy Birthday....enjoy!
Posted by: Annie | April 04, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Happy Birthday!!!
ooohhh the talk!! I remember getting it from my father, with my mother present. YUCK!
My husband is still waiting for the talk. When we were telling the family that we were pregnant with G I told him when he finishes he should turn to his father and say, "how did that happen by the way?".
Posted by: Helen Wright | April 05, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Happy belated birthday to your son. Just two more years until the teenage years starts. Good luck.
Posted by: Ken C | April 07, 2009 at 11:27 PM