My sweet Wessy bug,
Year 10 was a special one. I love this late childhood stage where family values take root and teenage angst hasn't yet arrived. Your general optimism and joy continue to shine.
In 4th grade, your athletic ability really took off. You had an amazing lacrosse season and emerged as one of the strongest players on the team, showing impressive determination and grit while playing iron man most games. You were selected to represent your team in the All Star game at the end of the season, which was a huge honor. The coaches were fantastic, and that makes such a meaningful difference. You mentored the younger kids and helped create the sweetest team culture. There's a second grader named Cooper whose mom told me how much he looks up to you. When I shared that with you, you mentioned that another player, Austin, had asked you why Cooper likes you so much.
After a few different flag football experiences, we decided you were going to take a break this spring — until a good friend from school invited you to play on a team his dad was coaching. It felt like the perfect fit, so we said yes. It was a great team and you did really well. By the end of the season you decided you prefer defense to offense, which was a big shift. You'd had your heart set on tackle football in the fall, but you're now so fully invested in lacrosse that we're not quite sure what comes next.
Your 4th grade besties are Kingston and Dylan. You get invited to a lot of birthday parties, one of the best was your friend Emi's Wicked party, where she had a group of girls over to watch the movie. Since you were the only boy, they painted your nails and did your hair. You also had a blast staying at a Seattle hotel and swimming with a group of boys for Bodhi's birthday. Following in your brother's footsteps, you participated in the school-wide geography bee and took home first place.
You really are the most thoughtful little soul. When I explained that if you don't clean up after yourself, I have to — it completely changed your behavior. You don't want me to have to do anything extra, and you're willing to do your part.
We've overheard you chatting on the phone with a few girls from class over the course of 4th grade. You deny having a crush on anyone but admit there are a few girls who like you.
You love to eat. Rice, oatmeal, Chomps, fruit, veggies, and protein shakes are current staples.
On a hike this summer, I shared something I'd recently learned — that awe is now considered an emotion. I loved discovering this because I know that feeling completely: standing in the mountains, looking at a bright moon in a dark sky, or witnessing such loving kindness that you feel moved. You leaned into it fully and repeated "I am feeling awe" several times. You are such a joyful person and approach life with gratitude and optimism.
You love learning and are receptive to lessons on the fly. We drove home from a tournament in Yakima in November, just the two of us, listening to the top 40 countdown. I pointed out rules of the road along the way and you received it with enthusiasm. You're also genuinely interested in finances, investing, and how the world works.
Over the course of this year, you became more assertive. Fall brought your first season of select lacrosse with South Sound club, a brief Roblox obsession, and plans for a few months of swim team between sports seasons.
We hosted your friend birthday party on the actual day, and you ended up a little disappointed. Hosting parties, it turns out, isn't really your thing. You got frustrated when kids didn't follow the plan and felt the pressure of trying to please everyone. Since the party felt like a let-down, you decided that next year you want your friend celebration on a separate day so we can spend your actual birthday doing something special as a family. We promised a trip to the top of the Space Needle in the coming months as a late family adventure.
You're excelling in 5th grade and love the reinforcement of good grades. You secured the highly sought-after role of class President, and most of your scores are right at 100% — you revel in it every time. There's a 40-book reading challenge and you really stepped up, completing 30 books before winter break. I love watching you read in the car and choose books over other things. Your friend group has stayed largely the same, but you've grown closer to Bodhi and Lucas since you're in the same class this year. You've also earned some freedom to scooter around the neighborhood and to Target, which has become a fun new pastime in your 10th year.
Oh, Wessy bug. You are so easy to love and such a joy to be around — from your sense of humor, to your kind heart, to your thoughtfully crafted thank you cards, to your grit and determination, I couldn't be more proud of you. I love watching your confidence and sense of self grow, and I pray you always hold fast to the deep love and belonging you have in our home. Happy 11th birthday, my sweet boy. You are adored.
xoxo,
Your loving mama
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