to sullivan on his 12th birthday

sweetest valentine of mine,

Another year, another year of watching you and trying to understand you. You are easily the most simple to please and yet so deeply complex that I feel like I will never know you.

You started your 12th year with an epic trip to the ocean to go fishing with Rainy, Bet Bet, and me. We caught fish, enjoyed a boat ride, and found sharks teeth in the river.

You continue to excel in everything relating to animals and nature. You find every live thing in a square foot, you light up when you tell me facts about animals you love, you melt every time we meet a dog.

You’re SO cute, Sullivan. Your grin is so michevious and impish. You actaully have a lot of friends despite moving schools 4 times in 4 years. I saw a picture from your first middleschool dance and you were in the middle surrounded by friends.

You’ve gotten in trouble quite a bit lately as you try to find your way out of your brother’s shadow and find your way. Thankfully nothing ill willed but mostly clever one liners that are hilarious and also not appropriate. You make me laugh regularly, and your timing is just perfection.

You are the artist I’ve always wanted to be. You sit for hours and create with such detail and precision. I can’t wait to see how you use it as you navigate your life. I have to be pretty frugal but I definitely you know I will never say no to art supplies.

I am so proud of you this year for trying out for all the sports and making it! Barclay starts and does so amazing and you could have decided that was too hard to try but you did and you made it and you are such a good teammate. I’m so proud of you for believing in yourself and cheering you on to make a basket at the last game on Thursday. \

You are my snuggliest kid by far and several times a day you come and sit on my lap even though you’re taller than me. You drape over my shoulders and ask for back rubs. I love it and I hope that when you’re 30 years old and over six feet you still sit on my lap.

Sullivan, I want to see your eyes sparkle more. I’m on the hunt to find something that lights you up and connects you with other people.

I’m so happy to be your mama.

I love you!

Mama