Happy Birthday Mason!

I seriously can't believe that I have an 11 year old child. Really! I don't feel any older, at least not most of the time, but I can't believe how far we've come together since then. Mason was born when we lived in a little apartment in Pleasanton, California. I thought I would be such a super amazing mom, coming from a big family and being around so many kids my whole life. Boy, I could not have been more wrong. This was before the internet, at least for us....we got our first computer with email about a year later. So I could not look up tips on breastfeeding, sleeping, etc. I just depended on lots of phone calls to Mom, a few good books, and hoped this sweet baby boy would teach me the rest of what to do. He did. I learned that long walks in the neighborhood saved my sanity. I learned to get dinner in the crock pot early in the day while he slept, because if I waited until the afternoon it was a lost cause. I learned that it's never too early to lie down on the floor next to him and show him a book. I also learned that Baby Einstein videos are a godsend. And Elmo is pretty darn funny sometimes.

I have learned to appreciate camo print. In any form. And some kids just need to style their hair their own way. Someday he'll realize that no amount of combing straight forward will change the fact that his hair is wavy and wants to go to the side.

I've learned that every kid has talents and abilities, and they don't always echo those of their parents. Yes, Mason can sing and he's OK at basketball and baseball, but that doesn't change the fact that he can swim a breaststroke faster than just about anyone.

I've learned that no amount of pool time is ever enough.

I've learned that imagination is a great thing to watch.

I've learned (or still trying to learn) to stop and enjoy every moment, because the seasons fly by so quickly, and then a year is gone forever.

I've learned that some risks are worth taking.

I've learned that winning is not as important as taking pride in the work you do yourself.
I've learned that you have to teach a child to stick it out and finish what you start, even though you really don't like it sometimes.

I've learned that having a good friend or two is vital to happiness.

Even when they wear funny hats.