Dear Nicholas,

Dear Nicholas,

Thirteen years ago today, we welcomed you into the world.  You came in crying.  And you cried for about two years straight.  But when you weren't crying, you were quietly observing, smiling and always ready for snuggles.

Today you are confident.  Today you are in the midst of a growth spurt and looking more and more like your Uncle Chris.  

You have a keen awareness of "people"...who to trust, who to give your love to, and who is genuinely good.  For most, you have little to say, but much to share.  Only a select few get the full Nicholas Reese Carpenter, aka Ticklebug.  (Read: if you are one of them, consider yourself lucky!)

In this year of your life, you have found your confidence.  You have been faced with tough choices, and always made the right one.  You are finding your niche...naturally academically smart, cooking, shooting, music and baseball.  Your dad and grandpa Nik are your biggest heroes.  

Nana is who you "care for" most.

 

Jacob is your best friend and biggest fan. Together, you two are quite an amazing pair--you share friends, love your family and keep each other on the straight and arrow!  

McKenly is your kindred spirit and who you strive to be like and will always be there to encourage and love you.

And I am honored with the title of your Mom.  

You need me, even when you don't.  I'm watching you spread your wings.  I can't always catch you, but I'll always be there for you--encouraging you to continue to spread your wings.  

You love me, even when you don't like me.  You trust me.  You are my baby.

Nicholas, we love you to the MOON and back.  Such a simple phrase and yet so true.  You drive us crazy! You make us laugh. You amaze us with your motivation, intuition, acceptance of all, diveristy and humility.  You hate crowds.  You choose your words wisely.  You and gravity do not get along...still, to this day!  If it can drop, spill or break...it's gonna happen to you.  You are compassionate, loyal and honest.  You are the best doggie owner there could ever be.  That says a lot about a person.  You are caring, the pack leader and ever mindful of our pets.

My boy, your father and I, your grandparents, your brothers, your aunts, uncles and 2nd moms could not be more proud of the young adult you are becoming.  YOU are going to change this world, make it better and impact this Earth forever.

You are LOVED.  By many.  May your cup be full from our village who will forever, support, love, and encourage you.

Happy 13th Birthday Nicholas Reese Carpenter--YOU are a gift.

We love you.

Daddy and Momma