Thank You

Thanks to you, I have stretch marks, crinkles in odd places, and one - OK, three - weird grey eyebrow hairs. Thanks to you, I haven't slept through the night since ... 2001? Thanks to you, my disposable income goes to filling the tank of my enormous SUV, organic clementines, and miniature sports figures of people I've never heard of, with last names I cannot pronounce. Thanks to you, I not only know what mom jeans are, but am wearing a pair right now. With Crocs.

Thanks to you, I willingly watch football, basketball, tae kwon do, baseball, hockey, and children playing recorders. Thanks to you, I am signed up to coach a spring basketball league (You have concerns: 'Do you even KNOW what the rules are?' 'That is what the Internet is for! Besides, I just need a pair of track pants and I'll be good!'). Thanks to you, I have sworn off peanut butter and vow never to let on just how GOOD it really is.

Thanks to you, I have become a kinder, gentler version of who I used to be, more selfless, more patient, more caring. Thanks to you, I have loved with a depth and a tenacity that I never could have imagined before you arrived. Ethan Charles, your first nine years have brought me more joy than you will ever know; that is, until you someday become a parent yourself. Thanks to you, I have the honor of the title, "Mommy."

Happy Ninth Birthday to my big little pumpkin.