Eleven
Dear Noah,
Eleven years ago today, Dad, Lucas and I received the best surprise Christmas gift. At 9:56 am you made your way into our world - 6 weeks ahead of our schedule, but right on God's timing.
And here we are 11 years later.
You were so small, so fragile way back then. You're still small - and you gladly tell every new person you meet "I'm short for my age." You and Jacob have been the same size for a while now, but I think he's about to pass you. That's ok, though, height is way overrated. I know from personal experience.
You have embraced having Asperger's this year. It's been a time of learning - for all of us. Learning all the fabulous details that make you, you. Seeing you learn to cope with things that the world sees as weakness and watching you overcome fears and struggles. God has made you in His image, Noah, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made. My prayer is that you never forget that.
Currently, you are OBSESSED with Legos. For the longest time, the colorful little bricks held no interest for you. Somewhere in the past year, though, you have become a Lego maniac. They're everywhere. EVERYWHERE. You will even put them in your pockets and bring them with us wherever we go. The mini-figures are your favorite. Star Wars and Super Hero sets are probably the next in line. We went to Legoland in Orlando a few months ago. I don't think you stopped smiling the entire day, which brought your Mom and Dad much joy.
If we can't find you, chances are you're on the computer or playing Lego Batman on the PS3. You do tend to freak a bit if the day is ending and no technology has been in your hands. You're super smart with computers and vow that one day you will be a video game designer.
Or an International Spy.
My bets are on the first one, though.
You are the deepest thinking child I have ever known. Most of your questions and thoughts come at bedtime - which tends to drive me nuts - but I have had the best conversations sitting on the edge of your bed, watching you rub Ruff-Ruff's tale on your nose while thinking about the topic of the night.
Yes, Ruff-Ruff is still very much a part of your life. But, there have been nights recently that he has been left on the couch or floor. And part of me rejoices that we may be able to pack away the floppy, matted stuffed animal soon. But part of me tears up at the thought of packing away the floppy, matted stuffed animal that has been your best friend for 10 years now.
School has been easy this year. You are very much in your element at home. You hate math, but love history. Right now we are studying Ancient Egypt and you are fascinated by world religions.
You told me the other night that you were sad you were almost 11. That you didn't want to grow up.
I think that night I told you that growing up was exciting and that God had so many new adventures waiting for you.
And all of that is true. But can I tell you something else? I'm kinda sad to see 10 years old go, too. While I love seeing you become the young man God is forming, year 10 has been good to you, my son. However, I'm guessing 11 years old? It's gonna be even better.
I love you with all my heart,
