Nine years ago, the clouds parted and some random angel trusted me with this guy:
In learning how to look after this guy, I learnt how to look after myself. It had to be him - only him, who could cut through my layers. (There were a lot of layers.)
Aged two:
Aged nine:
Max, one day you will find out the hugeness of my huge love for you. I hope you will think that's pretty cool. I hope I don't make *too* many mistakes along the way, and I hope I will be quick to apologise when I do. I love how, about ten minutes ago, you swatted a mosquito and said 'MUM! I heard its bones break!' I love how you wish all the bubblers at school had cola in them. But guess what mate ... if they did, it wouldn't be so fun, after a while. Too much of a good thing isn't always good for you. (Trust me on this one.)
You had your bi-yearly birthday party yesterday. There were thirteen noisy nine-year-old boys running around my house, doing stinky poos in my toilet .... we will be outsourcing your next party.
"What? I had NOTHING to do with this." -
I promise to take you to see U2 on their next tour. I promise to look you in the eyes more. I promise to be a better mother. I promise to always promise to be a better mother.
You are magical.
Max, the tricky thing sometimes is to not point out how good you've got it. Parenting is hard. I want to say 'You are so lucky! You are so spoilt! Both of your parents are still together and we both love you so much ... do you know how lucky you are?'
I guess you will realise that of your own accord one day. And just enjoy your childhood, in the meantime.
You got home from school today and begged me to search for "The Poop Song" on YouTube. So we did. At last count, we've watched it seven times, laughing louder at every viewing.
Happy birthday - your last one as a single digit. What?
One day, I will correct you when you call your heart your "love heart."
One day.
Love,
Mum XOXOX
Love that you have a traditional party food spread there!
ReplyDeleteFiona - I think there might have been some fruit, somewhere. Controversially, I did a pass the parcel with only ONE prize inside, for the actual winner. Old school! The boys couldn't believe it ... I was like, dudes, life is hard. Sometimes every player doesn't win a prize.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I hope he had a great day!
ReplyDeleteAnd the angel made a great choice in who to entrust him to!
~x~
I LOVE those photos, thanks so much for sharing them. Happy Birthday Max. You have an awesome Mum & Dad, never forget that. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Max!
ReplyDeleteEden, you and Dave look so freaking young in those new baby pictures!
I love that you did old school pass the parcel. RESPECT.
ReplyDeleteAnd well, this is just bloody awesome. Nine rocks. Only to be marginally surpassed by 10.
(and I didn't comment on the Bono post but had to just fast forward to the end to see if you got the shot because I couldn't stand the suspense. I know. LAME.)
I love the 'one prize' comment. When I did my first birthday party for my son in 2007 for his 4th birthday, I was a kids party virgin. I didn't realise that all kids had to get a prize in pass the parcel. But everyone warned me that I couldn't disappoint the kids. The parcel was so big because it had so many bloody gifts in it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Max!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, dear Max!
ReplyDeleteEden, all your boys are so handsome.
Happy Birthday Max!!
ReplyDeleteWe now have a new bookmarked YouTube video. The boys came running as it started to play. Thank you! : )
Happy Birthday to your dear Max.
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget when my granddaughter turned 10 and said to me "Nana I'm in the double digits now!"
Happy Birthday Max!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your little boy. Great pics, great post!!! He's so handsome!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday,little man!
ReplyDeleteman, you sure make pretty children!
Nawww... Max is lucky to have such a besotted Mummy. And Mummy is lucky to have such a beautiful boy. Happy birthday Max!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Max. I love that photo of the two of you in the garden, where you have his foot in your hand. It's a lovely moment.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Amazing Max! x
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how old he looks!! He's getting so big!
ReplyDeleteLovely post! Resonated with me this morning. Especially, "I promise to look you in the eyes more often" and "... do you know how lucky you are?...I guess you will realise that of your own accord one day. And just enjoy your childhood, in the meantime."
ReplyDeleteI love this! Happy birthday Mac- you have the best MUM ever.
ReplyDelete