10 years. Ten. Years. One decade. A decade of being your mom. Ten beautiful years with this beautiful boy. Time is so funny as I can't believe I've been a parent for a decade, and yet it feels so long ago that you were plopped on my chest that day at the hospital. I'll probably mention it in every letter but you are one of a kind child. Your thoughts, interests, and ideas are so unique and it's enjoyable to talk to you about all of them. Let's take a snapshot of who you are at ten years old.
You are definitely taller and we have just about the same size feet now. There have been times I accidentally put on your shoes and had to stop to see why they felt off. As Dad would say, you are tall as a 4-foot-10-inch tree. Your favorite foods include sushi, watermelon, dragon fruit, smoothies, chocolate peanut butter banana protein shakes, and fruity or sour things. You are a pretty good eater and eat things the other kids will not, so that's a blessing for this mom! The dentist says you have an overbite, so you might get braces by your eleventh birthday!
As for your interests, your favorite things are science, animals, and video games, so no changes there. Animals you love to talk about are snakes (particularly the hognose), bearded dragons, and sunfish. You are taking an Eco Station class after school that brings live animals and you love it. After our trip to Utah last year you were really into chihuahuas (Chloe the Pomeranian changed your mind about owning a dog but wanted a very little one). It got to the point where I was considering getting a chihuahua when we get back to Texas you were so obsessed. Well, working my mom magic, I hyped up the dog I really wanted: an Italian Greyhound, or Iggies for short. You liked the part that they were called an Iggy as that's the name of a video game character. Now onto video games! You love Lemmy Koopa, who is Iggy Koopa's brother from Super Mario. Before Lemmy you were into King Boo and were him last Halloween. You also love Minecraft and are taking an after-school class. Lastly, you've always had an affinity for science and also have that as an after-school class. I will miss having such great classes in Los Angeles as they have been great for you!
Well, speaking of school, you go through periods of doing really well and periods of struggle. You have done great with math, science, and reading, but have a hard time, especially with writing. I have seen great improvement and your teacher has been so good with you in pushing you to do more and being patient with your mannerisms. The kids at school seem to treat you kindly and help you throughout the day with reminders and showing you how to do certain things. You still say you don't have friends, but now I know it is by choice and you don't like having conversations and are shy. I get it, I'm in the same boat. I just hope you make friends at some point as they really help school be more fun and bearable. I also hope you learn more responsibility as middle school is around the corner.
I do have to give you some credit with responsibility! When I remember to step back, you are able to perform tasks with only reminders (vs. being right by your side with every step). For your birthday you asked for a phone, but as your Dad and I were against the idea, we thought the idea of an Apple watch was perfect! It gave you a way to communicate with us, track you, and have little things to do on your wrist. There are times when I felt uncomfortable leaving you somewhere, but it definitely makes me feel better leaving you alone when you have a way to contact me! You have also been more independent with homework, chores, and earning screen time. You are getting really good at games too. You've beaten me in Mario Kart multiple times at this point, so now I know you are officially old enough to beat me in games (even with effort on my part)!
Lastly, I want to thank you for being so patient with your siblings. You've been sharing space with them from day one of having Eli and although it can be hard for you, I've seen amazing change lately. You make them things, deal with all three of your siblings at night (since you all share a room as of late), and help them out when they need it. I know it can be hard for you at times having little siblings be little siblings, but luckily when we go back to Texas you will get your own room! You are so excited and tell me all the things you want in your room (including a fridge and a microwave, haha!) Maybe if you get your own room, you can get a bearded dragon as well!
You are my sweet, sensitive boy, teaching me how to be more loving and empathetic. I love your inquisitive mind and one-of-a-kind personality. Thank you for making me a mom for ten wonderful years. I hope this year will bring great change and wonderful things that will come your way. I love you so very much and am grateful to have you in my life!
Love,
Mom
