Happy 11th Birthday, Asher

Dear Asher,

Happy Birthday, you sweet sweet child. I'm still calling you a child, even though you are more grown up every day. Next year you'll be a middle schooler, so I'm holding on to your elementary school'ness as long as possible... but the truth is, it's long gone. You are so ready for what's next. You are so excited for 6th grade, and for everything that comes with it. You also love telling me how old you're getting because you know it makes me want to keep you home forever and make you stay small. 

Asher you are one of the most unique, vibrant humans I've ever met. Everything you do is full of light and energy and love. You feel deeply and you see the people around you. You're figuring out your place in the world, and while you are very, very good at self-advocating (a skill you mastered at the swim up pool par in the Dominican this January) -- you are even better at advocating for others. Your teachers and Paul (SAC) tell Dad and I all the time how you are a natural leader, you are kind, and you try to find ways to include everyone. You also don't like the rules being broken, which is funny considering you bend them at will when it means you get more candy 💗 It is an absolute joy watching you grow up. You love reading and art, you love being a part of adult conversations (always listening, you are always listening), and you love giving gifts. My favorite thing is when you are excited and nervous at the same time- something that happens when you make fun of me for being old, or Auntie Mallory gets too close, you have a nervous giggle where you laugh so hard you cry. It is the very best. 

You are so sweet with Sully (who looks up to you so much) and your cousins, and you can't wait to babysit Baby Bev (need to get those classes done!). 

Dad and I love you so so so so so so much. 

Happy Birthday, sweet boy 💜

We spent the weekend in St. Louis to see Josiah's play and celebrate your birthday with family. Which meant we drove through Iowa City, where you were born, on your birthday. To return to the house we brought you home to eleven years ago was a very emotional moment for me. ....You and Sully were busy making jewelry out of foil 💙

Flashback to 718 Woodside Drive, eleven years ago.

Cockatoo 11 years strong....