Happy Birthday, Dominic! Today marks 12 years since we crossed the threshold of being 20-somethings who didn't know anything to 20-something PARENTS who didn't know anything. I mean...we were clueless. And, yet, we were tasked to raise a child...Man, I'm so glad it was you!
You've had another year of change and you have handled it so well. A year ago, we'd been in Alabama for about 2 and a half months, and here we are in a whole other part of the country. But, you have a positive disposition and always see the bright side of changes and all of the opportunities it provides. Like professional baseball games...soccer games...history in our proverbial backyard...
I love your smile. It brightens my day to hear your excitement about whatever plans you've cooked up for yourself and your siblings...generally what sporting event we are going to watch. Or tournament we are going to play. Or history lesson we are going to discuss (or act out...World War I is being perpetually fought in the basement). Extremely seldom is it about math...but, I get my fix with Will...so you can have a pass on that!
Per usual, you had a big year. You joined Boy Scouts as a Webelo and loved it. All of it. Both you and Will gets so excited even when you meet another Boy Scout. Like almost as excited as when you might meet a KU player. I'm not even exaggerating.
We played so many games and learned a few new ones. And you even won a some (I believe your streak is still alive in Sleeping Queens). Good on you, Man!
We did a couple of family camping trips and you were so helpful to your dad...in order to make up for your mother's complete lack of helpfulness.
We finally lived in a climate that warranted drinking hot chocolate several mornings. And you made the most of it. Peppermint mocha creamer, with some whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup is your preferred way of taking it. But, half marshmallows, half hot chocolate also a favorite.
You also know how to make my coffee the way I like it. Thanks, Pal!
You helped with our Christmas cards for the first time. And it went so much quicker with the assembly line! Thanks, Team!
As did the cookie baking.
And, like the wise older brother that you are, you knew when to stay out of the way in the kitchen...something a younger sibling or two could learn this year...maybe?
You enthusiastically took part in your first snowball fight in 4 years. Hopefully, this becomes an annual tradition...at least for the next couple of years.
At Christmas, no one is more excited than you, which makes the morning that much more fun.
Actually, I'm not sure if anyone is as much of a morning person as you. You wake up with plans and wanting to discuss them. A couple of us (Will and me...) need our morning quiet, but how can I resist your enthusiasm? Oh, by telling you that I didn't sleep well. Then you have learned to steer clear of me for a couple of hours.
At Christmas, you got to play the role you were born to play: Dominic the Donkey!
You took part in your first Pinewood Derby...and I believe came in 3rd (
out of 4). Way to go! But, you did all of the work yourself, which made it really special.
I think it started a couple of years ago, but definitely took off this last year in Alabama. After KU basketball games or during halftime, you would call and discuss everything with L'Opa. Sometimes these conversations would last over an hour. I'd leave...and come back to find you still on the phone! Thank goodness for free long distance!
In the last year, you played two seasons of soccer and a season of basketball. You made us so proud of how hard you worked on the field to help your team. You never give up and never have a bad attitude. Something all of your coaches make a point to tell us.
We didn't do as much traveling as we have in the past, but still managed to make it to Cadiz, Kentucky, New Orleans (where we shared a beignet) and Huntsville, AL. Also a couple of trips to Florida, Oklahoma, Kansas, and a PCS to Virginia. Ok...so we did travel quite a bit.
You settled back in to your usual chores after Grandma gave you a reprieve in March. Though, I'm pretty sure you were overall helpful while she was there...I hope anyway!
You are a great older brother. Nearly always. Extremely patient with John, even when I'm not.
Spreading your enthusiasm for sports to all that come in contact with you.
And you and Will continue to have a wonderful friendship despite having differing interests. You give each other the freedom to enjoy and discuss everything. My most recent happy memory of you two is after a soccer practice held in a cold rain, you could have been miserable and crabby, but were laughing and enjoying the shared misery. I think moms all over would agree that hearing their kids laugh together is one of the best gifts you can ever give her. Or an hour or two of complete alone time...Or chocolate...kind of a tough call.
Eric and I realized we were living the dream when we didn't have to actually get in the hotel pool, but could sit at a table and let you take care of John. You are the best!
This began the running joke of which child is favorite. Will won the initial competition (simply by looking at me when I asked EVERYONE to look at me for a picture). You came in second :). Now we regularly play "Who is Mom's favorite?". It is constantly changing with everyone spending time in every level...
I love your enthusiasm for games. Or maybe it is just the competition. And of all the kids, you never seem to mind losing. Which is so refreshing. And, I honestly don't mind losing to any of the kids either. Eric is a totally different story. I hate losing to Eric.
Your getting taller...I don't even want to talk about it.
We've started running a bit together this fall. I enjoy the conversations we have along the way. We probably should up it to more than once a week, huh...
In Alabama, you put together many legos.
Collected Panini stickers...(already posted about
that)
You attended basketball camp in June and met Devonte Graham. Almost as exciting as seeing a real live boy scout. And got a new KU ball cap. Because you can't have too many ball caps! (Fact Check: False...you can absolutely have too many ball caps)
Ping pong became your new favorite pastime. Whenever you could find someone to play with you. I know I shouldn't be proud of this...but, I love that you invite people with a :"Who is ready to lose?" We really need to set ours up now that it is not so hot outside. Or raining.
You suited up for a visit to Duke University...just like a true fan should!
You didn't let a measly PCS get in the way of doing the World Cup Right! #priorities
We have visited memorials, museums, battlefields, and the zoo since coming to D.C. and you are always up for the trip. And despite long delays in the car or just long days in general, you never complain...and that definitely sets the tone for the other kids...and parents!
And you also know how to kick back and relax! That's my son!
Back in September, we had our sorting hat cupcakes...because everyone knows you start Hogwarts at 11. Don't worry, no one believes you would ever be put in Slytherin! The cupcakes (as opposed to the actual hat) is not an exact science. But, it was fun to make them for you. And eat them!
You and I share many things. Our hair color, eye color, our fanaticism for all sports tournaments and KU Basketball, our inability to draw well in Telestrations, our inability to take good selfies...But, we try so hard!!
We love you, Dominic Joseph! 12 years ago you made us parents. We didn't read parenting books to figure out what to do with you. We just knew we wanted to raise you to feel loved (and like a third child...because third children are the best). I've said it many times, I didn't know how God could love unconditionally until I became a parent. Granted, you are pretty easy to love unconditionally. I mean...look at that face...listen to that laugh...and you still snuggle! I'm most proud of how much you love your family and always seem to enjoy spending time with all of us. Even as you grow older. You are truly special and have so many gifts. You are a wonderful son, brother, and friend. People sense the goodness in your heart almost immediately. And that goodness gives them the freedom to be themselves around you because you accept them for who they are. You've been given an awesome gift, Dom! And I see you daily work toward doing the right thing. Sometimes you fail...because you are human. But, you always re-commit to do better the next day or next assignment or next chance. And that makes me want to always re-commit to parent all of you better. Especially as the years seem to go by faster and faster.
12 years ago, God entrusted you to us and enabled us to become part of something bigger and better. I am so glad it was with you! (K...gotta go get a tissue and make a cake...)
