December 14

Brady turned nine years old today. I think he had a good birthday; he opened it with a morning basketball game that saw his team win by the amazing final score of 7-5. (Yep. 7-5. And Brady had five of those points, including four from a pair of fast breaks and a single free throw.)

Then he opted for lunch at Applebees before scooting off to baseball tryouts in the afternoon. He finished his day --as always-- with presents and cake at home before heading off to bed.

This kid of mine, this number four of four... it amazes me to realize that he's already nine. To say that the years since he joined our family have flown by would be a gross understatement, but he's brought well-over a decade's worth of blessings to our lives. He's quick-witted and sassy and funny and smart and friendly and kind. (And, as you can see by the Ravens beanie, he's my Baltimore sports fan buddy.) And though he has a decidedly competitive edge, he's also sensitive and sweet. And on this very last single-digit birthday of my long mommy career, I am thankful.