Today is Nicky’s birthday. We celebrated with homemade chicken pot pie, his fave, and cake with ice cream, of course.

He asked for several books, including one on falconry and a Bible with his name on it. Super happy about that.

Okay. A book on falconry. No problem.

He skimmed through it after opening the gift. “So, mom, when can I get my first falcon?” As if this is the most natural question in the world. And like a pet falcon makes perfect sense for an eleven-year-old. Our backyard: playhouse, trampoline, giant bird of prey.

Say what.

But this is my oldest son. For Kindergarten costume day, he went as a paleontologist. Making that costume threw me a bit. Twenty-two Spider-Mans and Disney princesses. And one ancient fossil scientist.

Happy Birthday, my Nicky. I’m very proud of everything you are. Keep being “fearfully and wonderfully made” YOU (Psalm 139:14). And I love you infinity.