12/07

Dear Middle,

Today you turn 204 months old*. One morning early this month I realized you need an alarm clock. Why am I still waking you for school? I guess I like going in and looking at you while you sleep. You sleep in exactly the same positions you slept in as a baby. Don't get the wrong idea, I don't sneak in and stare at you or anything, but I've noticed what position you sleep in.

You never complain about anything, even now, when I know you have a raging sore throat, you keep to yourself and emerge for drinks and pain reliever. You don't eat much and you have the gentlest spirit. You like to stay up late, eat ice cream, and make films for the internet. I know that sounds dirty, but it isn't.

Recently you've opened up (a little) about your feelings. You have actually been known to make a near-silent chuckle sound when you are amused. I love watching How It's Made with you. On the couch. And you get to hold the remote.

Your obsession with beverages knows no bounds. At any given moment dozens of soda cans or ice tea bottles can be retrieved from your room. And the room itself is an amazing jumble of loose change, dvd cases, magazines and hundreds of folded pieces of paper. You've always liked paper. You used to eat it.

It's been years since I've been brave enough to look in your backpack, but I've noticed that just after an odor emanates from it you are good about throwing away the 7 or 10 sandwiches (which were lovingly prepared by me at 6:45 am) you have forgotten there so BRAVO for that.

You have never challenged us on our rules or curfews and I really respect you for that.
I know you like to stay up late and I appreciate the fact that you are good about getting up in the morning.

Finally, I, wanted to tell you how much I admire you.
I could go on and on (you know I could) but I'll just say:
you are one of the finest men I know.


Love,
Mom

Comments

puerileuwaite said…
I read that the Unibomber's cabin in Montana was extremely tidy, so Middle's messy room should be a encouraging on that note alone!
Carol said…
Since I have a special place in my heart (and life) for dooce, I appreciate the ripping off of her idea. You did it well.

What a lovely letter that he will always cherish.
Jennifer said…
Happy Birthday to Middle.
Congratulations to bb & k on the birthday of your son.
Badger said…
Aw! Sniff! Happy birthday, Middle!
alice c said…
Happy Birthday Middle. We hope that it is a great one - and if you are too ill today you can always have an Official Birthday like the Queen. Her Official Birthday is in the summer so she can have her party outside.
YetAgainJen said…
Happy happy birthday, middle! I'm curious--what did/does he call you?

Jen
http://olivespearls.typepad.com/knittersknitters/
Happy birthday to you all -- it's as much a celebration for the parents as it is for Middle.

What does he call you if not Mama? Mom? Mother? Blackbird?
Paula said…
Happy Birthday to you both!
Keetha said…
That is lovely. He sounds like a fine fellow indeed who has a super Mom.
Happy Birthday Middle! Print this letter out and keep it. And don't give Mom the rock-star snarl about her public gushing over you.
Anonymous said…
Well, happy birthday Middle.
This letter is simply beautiful. And it was written in the wee hours! Just because you like to stay up late.
The length moms will go for their children...
Eliane said…
ooo, my Otger is sick too. And he had me get some books from his backpack.... As soon as he feels better I'll make him clear that thing.
Poppy B. said…
Happy Birthday, to Middle, my fellow Archer!!! (Which I have to say because I can't spell Sagittarious.)
Anonymous said…
Happy Birthday to Middle!
Anonymous said…
That was lovely. He sounds like quite a guy.
Nora :) said…
Happy Birthday, Middle. Get well soon.
jenny said…
Happy Birthday to you, Middle.

"You've always liked paper. You used to eat it."

Love that.
She She said…
Happy Birthday, Middle. Lovely letter to a nice young man.
Emily said…
happy birthday to middle!

this was such a sweet letter. nothing means more than knowing your parents love you. :)
Amy A. said…
That was just right.

Happy Bday to middle and happy anniversary of being middle's mom, bb!
Anonymous said…
I make my 11 and 12 year old boys make their own lunches, and insist they put lots of love into them. They despise making lunches just as much as I do. And eat them about as often as Middle does, by the sounds of it.

Middle, I wish you a very happy birthday, and a fabulous year ahead! I hope you are feeling better quickly, and can begin to enjoy the new age you are.

ErinH
halloweenlover said…
Very cute! I hope he has a great birthday.
KPB said…
You know, sometimes I think being a mother is a bit like having a multitude of love affairs. There are periods of time I almost seem to "fall in love" with one of the children that the closest way I can explain it is that I feel like I'm running along side a train taking off from the station. The wind is cool and the motion both liberating and exhilerating, but there is a sensation of not keeping up, of something just slipping from your grasp, which just keeps you chasing that train.

I am so pleased that at 204 months I may still feel exactly the same way.

(I think you and Middle have what I have with Felix. It is so very very lovely and special. Like a secret so delicious you sometimes find yourself smiling for no apparent reason when you're in their company.)
Unknown said…
Happy Birthday, Middle! Many happy, healthy returns of the day! Some of the finest people I know were born on December 7.

Congratulations on choosing such fine parents. You did well and you are all lucky to have each other.

Enjoy!
Heather said…
Happy Birthday Middle!

(happy birthing day to his mama).
Mary said…
Happy Birthday Middle.

Continue to make your Mom proud ! I think it sounds like you will.......
TheOneTrueSue said…
What a good kid. You know, you have no idea how much I want to be able to write a letter like this to my son when he is a teenager. Instead of something like, "You have not talked to me in four months and the police have a warrant out for your arrest."

A mother can dream.
irene said…
I remember the sparkle in your eyes when you talked about Middle when we met last month, how it moved me and how I secretly wished one day I'd call my kids "angels" too.

happy, happy birthday Middle.
Caterina said…
A bit late, but.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIDDLE!
might I add...? said…
Happy belated birthday to Middle! And to his Mom!

I am all teary-eyed reading this. So sweet. Such a nice idea. I started a blog for my little one, and I think I'd like to start doing this kind of thing. Thank you for sharing with us. What a sweet mom you are!

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