Joyeux Anniversaire Monsieur Conner

**Last week Conner informed me that he wants to take french in high school.  I told him he’d be taking Spanish because French is totally useless here.  He thinks I know not of what I speak.  I figure we’ll have a lot of that feeling in the coming years….

Happy Birthday Conner.  I just can’t believe 11 years ago you came and turned me into a mom.  A some point, when we are rich… I am going to go get a massage every year on your birthday.  I deserve it. 🙂  It’s also my “mom-day”, but back to you….

Conner, this hasn’t been the easiest of years for you.  I picked this picture of you on the swings just because of that.  This has been a roller coaster, and I know that as hard as it’s been for your parents, it’s also been pretty difficult on you, but I must say that unlike regular roller coasters, you have handled this all like a champ.  You’re ready to go to the new school, and make new friends and be your own person.  I’ve been impressed by how well you’ve taken all of it.  I know you’ve had a few worries, especially when we were considering a rental for a bit, but we all prayed that wouldn’t happen, and it didn’t.

Conner, you have LOVED cub scouts.  You have gotten a TON of awards and done a great job with it, but soon you’ll be heading into Boy Scouts.  I’m so proud of everything you’ve done with it.  You had a great time at district derby this year and learned about meeting new people.  So impressed.

You are an AMAZING older brother.  You are great to play with both your little brother and your little sister.  I didn’t know how that 8.5 year gap would work between you and her but whenever I have people who have an 8 year old at work I tell them what an amazing big brother you are… how you ADORE babies now and I never knew how great it would be.  P loves you SO much.  She’s always asking, “where Conna?”… it’s gonna be a sad day in her world when you go back to school.  You’ve been SO helpful to us during these long and difficult months.

You are an amazing student.  You got a bazillion awards at your school’s awards assembly.  I hope you realize what a gift it is to come to this school and you can be whatever person you want to be.  I hope you decide to be smart, fun and respectful to your teachers and friends.  I hope you make LOTS of good friends.  I was most worried about that during our move plans to come here.  I’ve met a lot of 10-11 year old boys once we’ve gotten here.  I think that’s all going to work out.

Oops, your cake is done so I’d better get ready to fill out paperwork for work.  I feel SO blessed to be your mom, and if anyone had to entirely ruin my body for the world I am glad that it was you.  You have turned out better then I had ever envisioned or planned.  You are a dream come true, Mr. Conner.  I hope you know that.  Here’s to your pre-teen years, may you always remember I’m right. {uh, huh}