Preston - Eight

Eight is Great!!!

Dear Preston,

Happy 8th birthday to you, my big boy!  You will always be our first baby boy... our Bubba and Bubby... no matter how big you get.  But today, I can't fight the fact that you, while still a little boy, have suddenly landed into a bigger boy category.  It is so fun to watch you grow, yet so hard to come to terms with how fast it happens.

You are full of energy, smart, compassionate, stubborn, kind hearted, joyful, athletic, quick witted (and a little... sometimes a lot... quick tempered!).  You are a loyal friend... sometimes to a fault.  You stand up for others, even when it means getting yourself into trouble.  You never miss an opportunity to make others laugh... that's been true since before you could speak!  You find such joy in that.  Again, though, you'll do it even at the cost of getting yourself into a bit of trouble if the timing isn't quite right!  And, while you're a goofball to the core, you most definitely have a serious side.  You love reading and escaping into a good book... so much so that sometimes you come out of your room and can't believe how much time has passed. You are inquisitive, love learning new things, and, at the same time, you are a perfectionist and hate making mistakes (ugh... we really are working hard on this and have been for years).  There is never a dull moment with you around! 

You love your family and make it known all the time.  Your heart is so big, so kind and so generous. You are such a good brother to Gracie and Gavin... and even though he drives you nuts sometimes, you love Gavin to pieces.   You wished for him forever and you love that he looks up to you and wants to do everything you do. You guys fight (like you're supposed to), but are truly pals and, considering the age difference, really play well together. Your soul is intricately tied to Gracie, though, as it was just the two of you for such a long time.  She is extra special to you and you feel a deep loyalty toward her and the need to protect her.  You guys still have the same unspoken communication that leaves me breathless... you love looking into her eyes...  and you will giggle at each other without ever having signed a word - - the same as you did as a baby.

You are obsessed with baseball... both playing and watching.  I love sharing our passion for the San Francisco Giants.  But your love of sports doesn't stop with baseball.  You love it all and would spend all day outside playing anything - - as long as you are playing.  You love going to the ranch with Daddy and pretty much ask to go there every weekend, which Daddy loves, too, and I think the fact that you share that with him makes both of you love it there even more.  Every day I am thankful for the little park across the street from our house... it gives you a social life right outside our door - - a place where you can ride your bike, scooter, skateboard, roller blade, play all kinds of ball with whomever is out there to play.  (Ok... and sometimes I can't stand that you can see kids there when I can't take you out!  Thankfully, you are getting old enough that sometimes I will let you play out there as long as I can see you from the front door!)  You are also already girl crazy... in a really sweet way, but I am SO NOT ready for you to care about girls.  Let's hope there is another "girls are gross" stage in the near future!

Daddy and I are beyond blessed to be your parents... it is a great gift (albeit sometimes challenging!!) to be your parents.   It's hard to believe that so much spitfire, smarts and goofiness can be rolled into one little good-hearted boy we are lucky enough to call our son!  We love you so much, Bubba, and can't wait to watch you grow and change (but not too fast!) over this next year. 

"You know what, Bubba?"
"You love me."
"I DO love you.  You know what else?
"I'm special."
"You ARE special.  You know what else, Bubba?"
"I'm important."
"Yes, you are so important to me."

I hope you always carry that knowledge with you wherever you go.
All my heart,

Mommy