Sometimes I look at him and wonder how in the world I am so lucky to call him mine. Seriously. I know every parent feels this way about each of their children, but sometimes it hits me and hits me hard.
Sunday evening Chris was out back cooking dinner on the grill. Gentry was running wild with her hair all a mess. I was standing over the kitchen sink washing some of the dishes that were too big to cram into the dishwasher. I looked up from what I was doing to see this face out the window. Sweet, sweet Huntler sitting contently in his swing all decked out in his goggles and helmet. I stood there watching for a moment and then ran {as fast as one can run at eight months pregnant} upstairs to grab my camera.
When I made it out back I asked the little man what exactly he was up to, fully expecting to hear all about an upcoming space shuttle launch to the moon or something. Nope…nothing that elaborate. He was simply getting ready to ride a motor bike {pretend of course}. It’s funny how our dreams for our kids can spin into something so extravagant and detailed…and all the while it is the simplest of things on their minds.
I can’t believe that at the end of this month we will attend his preschool graduation. That my “baby” will be a kindergartner. I remember the day we toured his preschool and what a basket case I was. I feel those same feelings starting to stir within me again…only more intense. I guess I should count my lucky stars…the way his birthday falls we put him in preschool for two years instead of just one! In a way we get to keep him around an extra year! 
Ahhhh Huntler. You are by far the most considerate little guy I have ever met. You love me for me – flaws and all. And you tell me so all the time. You are smart. You are funny. You are caring. You are sensitive beyond belief. Watching you grow up is so bittersweet. I look at you and wonder what your future holds. Right now you want to be a farmer with daddy. We talk often and openly about wanting to return to Kansas and how different our life there will be. You hear it all and take in every ounce. Your heart grows heavy because you know – you know that all of your grandparents and your cousins live there. And you miss them. And then my heart breaks…breaks for the burden that I have inadvertently placed upon you. You carry so much worry for someone your age.
But I can’t help but believe that your intensity, your extreme sensitivity and all of the thought you put into things is shaping you into an amazing person bound for a great life.
Tears fall freely as my fingers tap the keyboard. You and Gentry are watching Tinkerbell while I write this post. You adore her…you truly do. And she you. You two have a bond that melts my heart. You hold hands in parking lots without me ever even mentioning it. She’ll play trains and cars with you and you’ll in turn play fairies and dress up with her. You have sleepovers in each other’s rooms. You teach her what you have learned. You help her when she needs help. I am beyond grateful that you have each other.
You are giddy with excitement over the arrival of our new baby. You often say, “My guess is it is a girl but I really, really, really want a boy.” Huntler, I would have ten boys if they were guaranteed to be every bit as cute, sweet, gentle and lovable as you. And that is no lie. You make my job so easy, so fun. And you {along with Gentry of course} are the reason I am inspired in everything I do. My love of photography started with you – what a gift you have given me. And you two are also the reasons I am taking some time off. I want to soak up every bit of this summer with my little loves and our new baby. I can already tell it is going to be a really special one…
I love you to the moon and back my sweet, sweet boy. I love you to the moon and back.
Love Always,
Mommy
