apple of my eye.

i've been a lag at blogging these days. a lot has been going on around these parts-- we went to fL, had family come visit, and then some friends come and stay. also, on the 27th of february, we celebrated my eldest baby's 9th birthday. we kept things pretty low key this time around {unlike years past}.  max chose to go sledding at the usual place for his special day. we then came home and sang a birthday tune to our boy around some candle lite peanut butter bars, and opened a present for each year of his darling  life. we sure do love that little guy of ours!

{precious card from his classmates.}

my baby, max-  i can't believe we have celebrated nine years of your life already.  i remember the start of it like it was yesterday-- your dad driving 10 miles an hour home in the snow from the hospital, crying while i sang the golden girls theme song to you {it was your favorite, despite my efforts for other, more appropriate songs.}, rocking you in that green rocking chair for {literally} the entire day, just staring at your perfect, soft features.  even nine years into it, i still feel like i can't get enough of you and your velvety green eyes.  you have the most tender, precious heart. you are a friend to everyone and everyone is your friend-mate. {although, you know not a soul's name..."my friend with the red shirt." "my friend with the voice."=)}  you easily win the heart of anyone you meet.  your teachers and classmates adore you, and i still get told {just weeks ago, as a matter of fact} that kids you went to school with years ago still ask about you. it's that giant spirit you have that exudes kindness & innocence.  you are everything that is good in this world, max.  i love that you care nothing about what other people think. you are exactly who you want to be for you, and for no one else. not many can truly say that.  i love being your mom, and i love you in the strongest way possible.  love- your mama