Happy to you

If you’ve visited Finding Ninee in the past week or so, you know that in addition to today being the day the US adopted the Declaration of Independence, it is also the day, four years ago, that Tucker made his debut appearance in the world and forever altered and expanded my personal knowledge of love and worry.

It’s hard to believe that my not-so-long-ago-helpless baby – the tiny person whose neck needed to be supported while he emitted a cloud of perfect new-baby scent –  is now gaining independence of his own. He’s beginning to recognize life outside of me. He’s become a little kid with opinions, likes, dislikes, quirks and his own personality. He now seeks out ways to make me laugh.

We’re celebrating four.

Celebrating life.

Celebrating youth.

Celebrating.

To my forever-my-baby who is no longer a baby:
Happy, happy birthday, Tucker.  Thank you for being exactly who you are.

Wishing all of our family and friends* a very happy Fourth of July. May your potato salad remain botulism-free, your beer cold, your fireworks magical and your laughter plentiful.

When we say “Happy Birthday” to Tucker, he replies with “Happy to YOU!” I like to think it’s because he is wise and realizes that “Happy to YOU!” covers more and that we are allowed to be happy just because.

*I originally said “US friends” but that felt like I was implying the rest of the planet shouldn’t have a happy Fourth of July and decided that just because it’s not a day filled with fireworks and cookouts, why not have a wonderful July 4? Which also led me to remembering an intelligence test.  The question was “Do other countries have a Fourth of July?” or something like that.  You first check off yes, because duh.  Then you remember it’s a US holiday and think you should uncheck it.  It’s one of those key word things: have vs. celebrate. Or something. 

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Because we are at the beach celebrating for the rest of the week, I’m going to go ahead and link up for our weekend Ten Things of Thankful party.  Please know that while on vacation, I’ll be mostly off-line, but  promise to catch up on your Thankfuls, and everything else, when we return.

I’m thankful for…

1. The bliss of ocean waves, sun and sandcastles.
2. Birthday cake, candles and the brownies that my friend Sara made and shipped to Tucker just in time for us to bring them with us to the beach.
3. Tucker taking a long nap so that he’s able to enjoy fireworks.
4.  Fireworks.
   

   Watching the Bayou Wox (say it out loud – you’ll probably get it faster than I did, first thinking it was “balloon box”).

5. The fact that after just one day in the sun and sand, I do not feel anxious. I am Truly Relaxed right now. I don’t know when I was last able to say those words. I do know that it was too long ago and I have resolved to make this state be a reality more often.  I consider it a gift for my little boy.
6. The special excitement that children have. Tucker’s utter glee over us showing up at school yesterday with pizza and cupcakes.  I’m thankful for the other kids in his classes and for Tucker’s teacher, who let us stay and observe how circle-time works, even though it was disruptive and Tucker was more interested in the fact that Robert and I were there than in learning. That he showed off for us.
7. Extended services. Tucker will continue to receive (part-time, but we’ll take it) incredible support with his same teachers at school this summer.
8. So many of you sending love and Happy Birthday wishes to our little firecracker.
9. Hats and sunglasses. Adorableness.
   
10. Today, I am beyond thankful that I have been blessed with the gift of witnessing my little boy navigate the paths of his life while he continues to improve mine.

What are you thankful for?  It’s so easy to get caught up in traffic, the mundane, the sad…which is why it’s amazingly helpful to (occasionally force yourself) see the beauty and the magic in life.  Be thankful.  Even when it’s hard. It’s worth it, I promise.