Today my baby boy is 10 years old! Time flies for sure. When he was born I was scared out of my mind. That the tiny 6lb 2oz bundle coming home with us was my responsibility. I had to care for him, love him, teach him, discipline him and share far more experiences with him than I knew I was in for. Loving him was the easy part.
He was a happy baby. Never cried never fussy. (Okay maybe once or twice) As soon as he was a toddler he was off. Talking way before most babies talk. Dancing. Potty trained at 18 months. This kid was ready to be an adult by the age of 2. And I always wondered... am I doing okay? Is he going to grow up and be a good man? Someone people admire and respect?
When he became a brother even at 2 years old you could see the person he was becoming. He adored his sister and immediately took the brother role. He protected her and wanted nothing more than to be around her, protect her, and see her happy. 2 more sisters later he is still this way with each one of them.
He loves his Mama. I know all my babies love me but I am not sure if it's cuz he is a boy or because he is Diego but he loves me more than anyone I know. He wants to please me and see me happy. He is my other half around here. Without him I couldn't function. He helps me in so many ways physically and emotionally. And he takes this on like its nothing. Most kids dont have a care in the world. And as much as I try and make him just be a child and play and get into trouble and just not care and let loose. It is just not Diego.
So here we are... I have spent a decade with this boy. I've seen him deliriously happy. I have seen his heart break. I have seen him take on things that children shouldn't have to deal with. And each and every time he is the one who is teaching me something. All along I thought it was me who had to mold him but in truth I can't take credit for him. He was born as great person. Everything he is, is him alone. He is naturally a person that people admire and a respect. God gave him these qualities and I stand by in amazement because I dont know what I did to be so lucky to be a witness to how awesome he is. I REALLY don't.
We had a conversation recently about parent child roles and I tell him its so hard to be a parent to him because I feel like when we have conversations with him... his daddy and I... he understands everything and is so mature. I told him, "Diego when you were born our job was to take care of you. Teach you. Raise you. And your job is to learn from us and become a great man. Instead you already have knowledge within you to be a great person and we stand by here and watch you with our hands up because all we can do is surrender." He replied, "Mom you had me at a very young age. You were still in high school. But you finished and set an example... so whats wrong with me and you growing up together and learning from eachother? Then we can teach the girls to be good people. I can help." This kid is amazing. Seriously.
I love you my son. Happy birthday! I hope today we can make you a bit as happy as you have made me and your Daddy! You are our everything!