Nine.

My little boy turns 9 today. I can't help but ask myself, 

"Where did these last nine years go?"

It feels like it was just yesterday that I brought my 6 lbs. 14 oz. baby boy home from the hospital. My son thinks he's a "big boy", a grown up... Yet I look at home and still see a little boy. I think as a mother, I'll always think of him as "my baby", no matter how old he gets! 

Lansen is excited about turning nine today. 

Me? Not so much. 

I think it's this very number, that puts things in perspective for me & makes me realize that my little boy is GROWING UP-- This is his last year in the single digits. On his next birthday he'll be ten... TEN! That's double digits! That's a big deal in the world of parenthood, when you first realize that you are now the parent of a child who's in his double digits! Adios single numbers. 

The thing that really gets me, is that with Lansen turning 9, he'll be halfway to being an adult... This very thought saddens me. If these last 9 years flew by, who's to say the next 9 years won't fly by as well?! It's times like these that I wish I could do the impossible and slow down time.

I'm aware that I can't slow down time, I just have to embrace it every moment- 
Embrace every milestone, every hug, every smile, every "I love you", every kiss... I just need to embrace it all. 

To my son, Lansen,

Happy Birthday! 

I'm so proud of all you are & all you'll become...

I love you to the moon & back!

Love,

Mom

Dear Santa!

I am often reminded of just how much Lansen is growing up... Today was a huge reminder!  Every year, since Lansen started going to school, I have him write a letter to Santa Claus. It's become an annual thing, a tradition of sorts, that we write & mail his letter at Macy's. I remember the very first time Lansen wrote to Santa, it was on Black Friday a few years ago. He was so little then & just beginning to learn to spell words. I remember having to assist him in writing his letter. This year, Lansen didn't need my help at all with writing his letter to St. Nick! He has grown so much in the last couple years & he's gotten definitely gotten lot more independent! It's such a bittersweet feeling watching him grow up! I think no matter how old he is, I'll always see him as a baby, my baby. 

Lansen writing his letter to Santa Claus!

 I really wish I had gotten a glimpse of his Christmas Wish List! 

Lansen next to the Santa Mail Box! 

I hope that you all are having a very merry December!

Do you & your loved ones have any holiday traditions?! 

xoxo