I gasp at 12.

Hey sweet Monkey -

What is happening to my little boy? You turned 12 just a few days ago and it seems 11 is far gone.

11 is when you gained a bit more control and got to decide more things for yourself.
11 is when you made many new friends.
11 is when you lived a whole year as a big brother to foster kids.
11 is the year that as a big brother, you helped me a ton by being my sidekick.
11 is when you started middle school.
11 is when you found your "style."
11 is when you decided you were going to try out for the school musical.
11 was a hard year and an easy year all at once.

But boy were you ready for 12.
I wasn't. I'm still not.

12 means you are that much closer to 13 and then 14 and then...
I want to keep you little forever even if it means going back to huge tantrums and crazy loud preschool days. I want to keep you little forever because I see the snuggle days slowly disappearing, I see the baby part of you slipping past.

I love you to pieces, sweet boy. You make me proud (and a better mom).
You are perfect just as you are.

I love you more than you'll ever know.
Mom
xo