Dear Max,

I have been feeling very verklempt all day.  I have been reminiscing that this time 10 years ago, I was sitting on a New York City subway on my way to Lenox Hill Hospital to be induced.  It took you 32 hours to finally make your appearance and I could barely contain my excitement!  I just wanted to see your sweet little face and meet you for the first time!

It is amazing how much you have changed this past year.  I can really tell you are growing up and becoming more independent.  Daddy and I are starting to get a glimpse of what you are going to be like as a young man, and we couldn’t be more proud.  You are friendly, kind, sweet, polite and extremely thoughtful.  You have such a great sense of humour with the most infectious laugh!  We love how athletic you are and always keeping us busy, whether its playing sports or cards or boardgames…spending time with you is always a hoot.

It doesn’t matter if people are young or old, you treat everyone with respect and always give people the benefit of the doubt.  I am always amazed when other adults have told me things that you have done and I always beam with pride.  Like when one of your friends gets hurt … you always sit and wait with them until their parents arrive, or thanking a ref who wasn’t very fair at a hockey game, and feeling compassion for others who might be having a hard time.

You are so curious about the world around you.  I love how it sometimes takes you a few days to start asking questions.  You put a lot of thought in all that you do and I am always so impressed by that.  I enjoy our morning talks or bedtime talks (or the talks when you surprise me and come home for lunch), I am glad that you aren’t afraid to tell me what’s on your mind and that you always want to share ideas, stories, or secrets with me.

You have brought me nothing but pure joy since that very first moment I laid eyes on you.  Max, you are such a happy boy who always sees the good in life…I hope that never changes.

You have made me a better person by being my son and I count my lucky stars every day that I get to be your Mommy.   You are the most affectionate little boy and I am so glad that you still like to snuggle, hug and kiss me.  From the moment you were born we have always had a special bond.   When I tell you “I love you” and you always reply “I love you more”.  My sweet boy … I don’t think that’s possible!! I loved you before I even met you! 

Happy 10^th Birthday Maxinator!!  We love you!!