My Jake is  9 years old!  Nine is hard for me.  It’s one birthday away from the double digits and it’s almost a half-way mark of parenting.

I am so happy and proud to say that I am his mommy.

The past nine years have been my favorite.  You were the child that brought your dad and I into parenthood.  You started this whole Perdue Crew off to a great start.  You have become a big brother 4 times and although you have always been magnificent.

When you are feeling like it, you are a great help to your brother and sisters. You are growing into a leader, and I pray that God will continue to mold you into that role as biggest brother.  They all look up to you. Remember that as you make choices.

This year you have continued to excel in school. You played tackle football for the first time and you still choose to read over almost anything, except of course iPod time. I love how you have started sharing a little of your heart with me. You trust me and believe that I am being honest with you when we have “real” conversations. I’m enjoying this new phase of life. Its hard to believe that in 9 more years you will be leaving me. In the next nine years you will change drastically, but I hope that in those nine years our relationship continues to deepen.

Jake, thank you for letting me love you and I pray to God that I love you and your brother and sisters well.  I want you to know that I love you, will fight for you, and will always be here for you. I will always love you and 9 years into being your mommy I’m super proud of you.