To this day, he is intense, persistent, kind, unrelenting, demanding, loving, spirited, loud, smart, funny, caring, passionate and has boundless energy. But that smirk on his face? Is the biggest indicator of who he is. Its the devilish grin at the edges of his smile on an otherwise angelic face, that gives him away.
Dear Nolan, we forget sometimes, when we get caught up in the centrifugal force of your spirited nature, to see the whole you. I am sorry we do that. The whole you is a beautiful soul, that walks through life with a smile on his face, his heart on his sleeve, and a natural intensity for life that is hard to assuage. Every year we go through your baby book together and tell the story of you. I have it here ready, and tonight I am all yours.
Even after 11 years, I'm still learning, Nolan. And I want you to know, I SEE you. All of you. You've taught me so much already in these 11 years, I can't even imagine what the next 11 will look like. But I am here peanut, basking in your light, with my arms wrapped around you, and a giant piece of my heart lodged in yours. I'll be with you forever.
Love you to the moon and back, Mom.
Beautiful, Vicky. Just like your boy!
ReplyDeleteWhat more could a beautiful boy with a devilish grin need to hear?!
ReplyDeleteHappy 11th birthday to Nolan!
Yep, bawling pregnant lady. So sweet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift you are to each other ... may he have a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteI so look forward to your writing each day - beautiful again!
ReplyDeleteHappy "GOLDEN" Birthday Nolan!
((Hugs)) to you all!
Happy Birthday, Nolan! Those traits of yours that Mom describes are gonna take you places...all are a recipe for success and much love..and perhaps alittle drama now and then. Have a great day! -
ReplyDeleteTom was just smiling about Nolan the other day. Nolan saw Tom at the benefit playing basketball. And when they caught each others attention he had his 'perma-grin' on and said "HI COACH!" Tom was elated...he said whether that guy is doing a difficult drill or playing in a game~~ He is smiling! He just loves that about him! What a great kid to be so full of joy! What a great job Mom and Dad! Happy Happy Birthday NOLAN!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderfully sweet! Happy Birthday Nolan!
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous pictures! great words to have and to hold forever. wish i'd done more of this kind of writing to my son, now that he's 16.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Vicky.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your handsome Nolan!!
He has a teary Auntie here! Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew. I hope he had the most wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to a PIP of a boy!
ReplyDeleteHe is so lucky to have such a loving Mom and family.
:)
Vicky, you have me crying over here in Fargo! Can you feel my tears? They are tears of happiness, understanding, commiseration, love, awe, connection, admiration. This was a gift to me tonight. It spoke deeply to me; both the words and those amazing photos. They are truly precious.
ReplyDeleteXXOO, Roxane
Nolan,
ReplyDeleteHappy Golden Birthday!!!
You have turned into such a handsome young man. But then ~ you were the spitting image of your dad when you were little so there was no doubt in my mind that you would.(it must be those Westra genes) ;)
My wish for you is the carefree enjoyment of your youth and to find that path in life that gives you joy and fulfills your passions.
Wishing you the best on your 11th Birthday and I hope that you enjoyed your special day :)
A very Happy belated birthday to Nolan :-) He is extremely blessed to have a Mom like you Vicky :-) Loved all your pictures with Nolan :-) Take good care of yourself. God bless
ReplyDeletethese photos of you and nolan absolutely take my breath away. the love is absolutely palpable.
ReplyDelete