Ben is nine!

Dear Ben,

You’ve been telling Rachel since her birthday about two months ago that your birthday was next. You also taught her after yours Daddy’s birthday comes, then Momma’s, then Cate’s, and then hers again. Of course, neither of you have a great sense of time, so nobody is talking about how there’s a five-month gap between birthdays once we’ve finished celebrating yours.

You’re such a good big brother. You play well with Rachel, protect her, and teach her all sorts of things. You’ve written about her for school assignments and you always ask what we did while you were at school. And you’re pestering your older sister less, so I’m taking that a win. I sure have liked watching you all team up to build a Lego set, talk about how to organize all the many, many Lego pieces, and find other common ground.

Really, I feel like we’re entering a new season with you. You’ve been holding the door open for people, helping around the house before being asked, and noticing others more. I like the young man I’m seeing grow up before my very eyes.

You were diagnosed with ADHD in April 2017. I haven’t talked about that a lot here, but we’re in a good place with that. As your mom, I love having resources to better understand how your mind works.

When I ask your favorite part of school, you always tell me about recess and lunch – and some days maybe art or music. You’re good at spelling and math too. Most importantly, you’re a good friend to the seven other boys and four girls in your class.

This year, you ran cross country and played baseball for the first time along with continuing with soccer and basketball. Before you, I always said my kids would only have one extracurricular at a time, but these activities are good for you. I’m grateful I could see that, make a mental adjustment, and sign up my boy for the next thing.

I pray for you, son. I pray you grow tall and wise and into exactly who God created you to be. I pray your energy and ideas are channeled for good – the best, really. And I pray you know our family is a team, for each other always.

Happy ninth birthday, Benjamin. I’m so grateful I get to be your mom.

Love, Momma

*****

Ben’s life is so intertwined with thanksgiving for me and it’s fun we get to celebrate his birth during National Adoption Awareness Month. Be sure to download the Kindle version of my book {FOR FREE through Sunday, Nov. 25} that tells our story, including his.

Look back on Ben’s life: 1 year old. 2 years old. 3 years old. 4 years old. 5 years old. 6 years old. 7 years old. 8 years old.