Happy 12th Birthday Bran!

B - Seriously, 12?!
Goodness. I always find myself at an impass on your birthdays. On one hand, I'm surprised at how these years are flying - a reminder that hearts created for eternity are not intended to comprehend the passing of finite time. But on the other hand, I feel like you've been twelve for awhile now. Like, a couple of years. It's that old soul of yours.


Regardless, happy, happy birthday to my sweet boy. 
I love you deeper with each year.

Happy 12th!

This photo was taken last June at 5th grade graduation- I was still taller than you. Somehow in the last seven months you've soared a handful of inches!

Last May - you were already taller than Mama - ha!

I love your love for people. Your face lights up when you see someone unexpectedly in public. You instinctively call out to adults and children by name and look them in the eye when talking with them. You are always up for a party, for having people in our home or going out to be with friends. I love your love and enjoyment of people.

I'm scared that I just let you get an Instagram account (about a year or two after all your friends, at that.)
But I love the depth of conversation it opens between us. And the patience you've demonstrated in waiting.

Your one-track-mind drives me NUTS, because you can't / don't let things go.
And yet that one-track-mind keeps you focused on specific goals. And even more, it's a sweet reminder that you have Cappy and Uncle Trey's genes.


I miss you while you're at school eight hours a day. But I'm glad for your teachers, your friends, these opportunities. Just this morning as I watched you walk across the street to school, I saw your daddy in you. I saw his features in yours, saw his expression in your smile as you chatted with a boy at the stop walk, and saw his grin and enthusiasm in your face as you greeted a few friends and adults heading into the building. I see him in you more and more as you get older - even the manner in which people respond to you is similar to how they would respond to Dad. Thrills my heart.

Just as I say aloud in my prayers with you every night, I'm so glad I get to be your mom. You are just amazing, and I recognize that it's a privilege that I get to grow up with you. I love you with my whole heart, Bran. Happy 12th to you!

Your cheering section...

Was it really worth getting up this early??

Agh! I think this fish ate more breakfast that I did!

And while pictures say a thousand words... this video says about a million as to your personality (and your brother's!)  Love you!