Dear Woo:

Today you are 12!! A dozen years old, how on earth did that happen? I blinked, and you stood before me – such an incredible young man. You’re my gentle giant, everything a mama could want; happy, kind, confident, and full of life. You are growing into such an amazing person, right before my eyes. Every day I grow prouder as I watch you develop.

This is the last year that I’ll be able to say that I’m taller than you. I fear I have mere weeks, or possibly only days before you grow that one centimetre that you need to catch me. I know that you can’t wait, so that you can tease me about being short. It will just be one of the many ways that you like to needle me, pay back for all times that I have done the same to you. I don’t mind it when you do this. You remind me a lot of my dad when you tease, getting that glint in your eyes that is sure to mean mischief. Nothing pleases you more than knowing you “got” one of us, especially if it’s your sister.

This year brough new experiences and responsibilities. Your move to middle school was a smooth transition, with you taking the changes and additional expectations in stride. You have worked hard, and shows in your work. whether its a desire to get it out of the way, or a wish to learn more (and I think it’s a little bit of both), you have made your school work a priority, even when there are games to play or friends to hang out with. It’s made my life easier, and you have developed a habit that will serve you well as you get older and have even more demands on your time.

It is clear that hockey and baseball have been established as your favourite sports. You play them, watch them, talk about them, and have worked hard at them this year, which shows in your play. Most of all, I love to watch you play, as you are always happy on the ice or field. Otherwise, you are on your bike, bugging your sister, or hanging with your bestie. Often times, you are doing all of those. Books and tinkering round out the rest of your days.

You continue to love to go on adventures, large and small. The coming year should have plenty… and I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do!

Happy birthday to you, Woo!!!

Love,
mama

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a year of Woo