Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

Ben is ten!

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Dear Ben,

I can’t believe you’re ten. I know, what a cliché to come from a mom’s mouth. But it’s true. I can recount so many details of this past decade with you. Honestly, I think I’ve grown up with you. I thought I knew things when we welcomed you into our family, but, goodness, I’ve learned and grown so much since then — and much of that is because of you.

Sometimes I get caught up in how different we are. You’re loud and like repetitive noises. You’re a morning person, but at least you still like to cuddle. You’re messy and disorganized. And you’re definitely not into the pictures I always want to take! (I convinced you to pose in front of the 9 3/4 platform sign at Universal’s Hogwarts Express because that was about your age then!)

But then I am reminded when I am my best self, I’m a lot like you. We like adventures and road trips and being with our people. We like roller coasters and eating chicken wings.

This year has been hard for me as a person and that’s certainly spilled over into motherhood. While I’ve been processing grief and trying to improve myself for you and your sisters, you’ve been growing in your own ways. Your pants keep getting shorter, your mind is quicker and more aware, and your emotions are at the forefront. We’ve had some hard conversations, meaningful moments, and fun adventures. I’m thankful you’ve been near this year. And I’m thankful I’ve gotten to be near you as you walk through some emotional, physical, and social changes of your own that haven’t exactly been easy.

We are better people together.

After spending every winter of your little life going to college basketball games, watching Ja Morant get drafted after his sophomore year at Murray State and having a stellar beginning to the Grizzlies season is what it took to make you into a true fan this year. You follow the teams more closely now and want to know scores and stats. We’re celebrating with a basketball-themed party this weekend. You’re getting ready to begin your second year of playing basketball of your own at our sweet, small school. You’re still into running club and soccer too.

Thankfully, you’ve found ways to love your big sister, who definitely loves and feels loved in different ways from you. Your little sister loves to laugh with (and at) you when y’all aren’t wrestling. You’re meant to be sandwiched between them and I love being reminded God built our family in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

You’re loyal and brave. You’re fun and funny. You’re curious and kind. And I’m certainly thankful you’re my son.

Happy birthday, Ben! Here’s to the second decade of your life and all the ways I’m sure you’ll surprise me.

Love,
Momma

*****

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. 9 years old.

Ben is nine!

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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.

Giving thanks for Ben’s life

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Happy Thanksgiving!

And happy 8th birthday to my boy, Ben!

We’re in Branson celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas and family and my boy’s birthday with Greg’s side of the family. We love this place – and we love putting experiences and adventures over things.

*****

Dear Ben,

I love having your birthday so tied up in Thanksgiving. You asked if you could choose what we ate for dinner on your birthday and, usually, the answer is yes, but not this year. This year we’re gathering with family to eat turkey and all that goes with that. But I get the feeling you won’t care to share your birthday dinner with a holiday tradition. You just like a party. You like sharing the table with people, caring much more about who is joining us than actually eating the food.

I love how you love people. You’re all in. You remember prayer requests. You want to invite people over to our house and into your life. You give good hugs and are the best morning snuggler – even if you sneak in my bed much earlier than I’d prefer.

You’ve taught me a lot about enjoying – truly enjoying – the little things in life and not being too serious. That challenges me out of my Type A comfort zone, but I’m glad you’re my son and I get to grow alongside you. You look up to your dad. You’re the best big brother to Rachel and would take a break from pestering Cate to stand up for her.

Being on the same team is the blessing that comes with family.

{Tweet that.}

This year has included some big things for you: You sustained second-degree burns to your face and hands, but you recovered beautifully and quickly. It was a scary time for our family, but, like in all circumstances, God showed up faithfully. Not long after, you were diagnosed with ADHD. This insight into how your brain works has been good for all of us.

Through it all, your bravery amazes me. You don’t live with fear. You’re a good patient. And you don’t hold onto hard things but move on to whatever is next.

Yesterday I shared a piece of your birth story for National Adoption Awareness Month. I love your story. I love that I get to be your momma. I’m excited to see more of what God has planned for us – as a family and for you, my middle boy.

*****

In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, Ben’s birthday, and Thanksgiving, I’ve got a gift for you! The Kindle version of my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is FREE for a few more days.

Get your free copy of my book here!

*****

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.