To Case, on Your 10th Birthday

To Case, on your 10th Birthday,

When you first came to live with us, I marveled at how such a tiny person had the power to turn our entire universe upside-down in the best way. Like Alice tumbling down the tunnel, your curiosity has you chasing rabbits and asking questions. As you’ve gotten older, I have grown to love your sense of humor and the way you love so deeply. I don’t just love you. I like you so much. I could hang out with you all day long doing everything or nothing. You’re so easy to love.

In celebration of your double digits, I present ten of my favorite moments from the last year that live rent-free in my head at all times. They make me laugh. They make me cry. They make me fall in love with your whole self over and over and over again.

Kermit the Frog said, “As we say in the wetlands, “Ribbit-ribbit-kneedeep-ribbit,” which means “May success and a smile always be yours . . . even when you’re knee-deep in the sticky muck of life.” You’ve overcome so much sticky muck to be who you are today. Resilient doesn’t cover it.

I love that you love to play games. One of my favorite things to do with you is laugh over your silliness while we play cards or a board game. Also, STOP BEATING US AT EVERYTHING!

There are three things in this picture that define who you are: relaxing under a cozy blanket, petting a dog, and holding a baby doll. You have a natural sense of how to nurture—humans and animals alike. We could all learn from how well you care for those around you.

Sometimes I think we should run away. Just you and me. To a beach where we can eat brunch all day. What do you say?

When you and Bea are getting along, you are the funniest, craziest little duo of mischief managers around. It’s so fun to see what kind of good trouble you find when you’re being your best selves.

Not many things bring me more joy than picking up my phone to find these kinds of sneaky pictures on them. You’re cute even when you’re trying to be weird.

I love exploring the world and learning more with you. You look good in jellyfish blue.

I will forever be your matchy match friend, and I love when you ask me to find something to wear in a particular pattern or color. Also, you have the best hair even when you’re not trying.

Being at Hershey Park with you was one of the highlights of my summer. Let’s go back and eat more chocolate in bed and buy our weight in the world’s best pretzels. Also, maybe next time we’ll actually ride some rides, yeah?

Glamping with you as you tagged along with Ben and me for college visits was the best surprise. I’ll commune with nature, make smores, and find random trails with you anytime.

As you start 4th grade, I look back at the last few years of hard work and see how much time and intention you’ve put into growing into who you are today. I hope you never stop keeping us on our toes or surprising us around every bend. You are love. You are light. I hope you always feel the warmth of my love in this cold world, so that you never doubt that you are exactly who you should be.

As your favorite character Barbie says, “Sparkle wherever you go, and let the world wonder why.”

I love you, honey badger. Keep badgering.

Love,
Mom