You are ten

I remember

when the nurse called out

across the room

you were okay

we heard your cry

"A redhead!" she announced

"A redhead?!?"

the relief

we felt

the relief

I saw

on your daddy

it crumpled upon him

folded him in

you were okay

then your baby years

you were loud

disgruntled

chronically agitated

(we were, too)

you toddled around later

with your little blue rectangular glasses

a little professor

those dimples

on your cheeks and your little fists

those curls

now blonde

now chronically happy

chronically sweet

this little boy now

growing up

the freckles sprinkled across your nose

silly

smiling

fearless

in love

with elephants

in love
with me
"wrapped around your little finger"
the cliche
repeated to me
often

it has not taken us long
to realize
you have this effect
on many

you give hugs so freely

you play

still

with toys

sleep with stuffed animals

(a million)
you ride
the scariest rides
arms up
never flinching
always ready
for the party
for adventure

there is a softness
a sweetness
on your face
in your eyes
in the
squish
of your hugs

you came into this family
you carved your own space
with gentleness and giggles
with expectations of love and affection
equal
to what you give

you are
your own person
and we are
so lucky
that
you
chose
the 3 of us

Happy 10th Birthday Aidan Kai...
You have our hearts.