Dear Joseph,

Happy Birthday, 9-year-old! It’s hard to know what to say, you are growing up so fast! I’ve probably said this a few times, but you are truly one-of-a-kind. There is no one like you, Joseph. It seems like everyone who knows you knows that too.

 

You’ve grown so much this year, and I have an inkling you will be taller than me in just a few short birthday letters. You grew your front teeth in and now your smile is very different. You look so grown up! You are a pretty good eater, eating things your siblings don’t touch. Your favorite food is sushi, but you also like beans, tuna, ramen, carrots, mango, and honey mustard. What’s really interesting is that you are “not a fan of chocolate”, or mac and cheese for that matter. Funny boy.

 

Your interests change so rapidly I can’t even list them all here. The main theme I see is science. Whether it’s zoology, meteorology, geology, or paleontology, you just love science. The most current obsession is invertebrate fossils, notably a nautilus, but boy has there been a lot since your last birthday: Pokémon, axolotls, extreme weather (tornados, notably), crystals, geodes, Harry Potter (he slipped in there) and now the fossils. It’s little things that you experience that blow up your world. It’s really all you can think and talk about. Anyone who knows you knows what you like. I wonder what will be the next thing…

 

You are in third grade at Overland Ave Elementary. This school has been so good to us. Your teacher and especially the student teacher seem to adore you and the classmates are nice to you too. You say you don’t have friends, but after some digging, I found that to be a personal choice. There seem to be kids at school who try to include you or talk to you. You even had a crystal-making play date with the twins in your class! You prefer to wander about and “think” while your classmates do their thing. I’m trying to teach you that a friend is more than someone you play with. It can be people that you talk to or share interests with. Regardless, I’m glad you’ll be returning to Overland for another school year. 

 

I’ll admit that I’m on a different frequency than you are. As I’m trying to rush you to do things (get ready for school, get you out of the car or through the door, do homework, get ready for bed), you prefer to think about other things. You are my pokey little puppy. You don’t like to be rushed and call me mean sometimes. Maybe I am! Patience with you is something I can work on, but hopefully, there will be a day when you can function with minimal prodding and poking. Regardless, I can see how hard it is to rush to do things you don’t want to do when there are far better things to think about or do.

 

As far as being a big brother, you like your siblings. You call Eli your best friend. You really like Noah and carrying him around (sometimes you tug him out of my arms, hold him for five seconds, then place him somewhere on the ground or couch for me to retrieve instead of handing him back). Eden’s at the age where she is harder to tolerate, but you do nice things for her like make her a necklace or draw her pictures. You share a room with your brothers and although it can be hard for you when you have a hard time sleeping, I think you handle it pretty well.

I’m sure I can go on about you and capture who you are at nine years old, but it’s time to close up this letter. I just want to say how much I love you, Joseph, You really opened up my world and taught be how to be a mother. I’m still learning a lot and feel there is much to be improved, so thank you for your patience as I navigate each stage of life. I’m excited to see what new things you will discover and teach me about. Remember how much we love you and your Heavenly Father loves you!

 

Love,

 

Mom