Jack is 14? really?

And just like that, we have a 14 year old.

I still contend that I can recall every moment of that fateful day in 2007. Waking up, thinking I was in labor- shortly realizing that I was in fact in labor-being in said labor for what seemed like forever and then, in the 23rd hour, the delivery which signified the beginning of the rest of my life. I couldn't tell you what I had for dinner yesterday or what I walked into the living room for, but I can tell you all about the day that I became a mom.

Let me pause and say hello Jack! Chances are that you're reading this. Please know that I love you more than you'll ever know.

My Jackaboo. My number 1. My Squid. My pirate baby. To watch how you've grown and matured over the years has been such a ride. 

You are bright, so witty, hilarious at times. You make me smile (and go slightly cuckoo) with your barrage of accents and funky dance moves. You keep things fun and I love this about you.

You and your Emma (Nina) are best friends. Just don't chew loudly in front of her...she will cut you. I was always so nervous about having kids so close together in age but the two of you eased those nerves very early on. You are eachothers support, you are eachothers built in happiness ( and sometimes anger). The 'jackandemma' connection is a strong one and it's only getting stronger as you get older.

You and Alex get along quite nicely for being 5 years apart. He looks up to you and really wants to do more and more with you. You have similar interests and I love to hear you laugh together. Just don't piss him off, or he will shoot you with a nerf gun.

And here is where I wrote about how much Sara loves you and you tolerate her. Eh, it is what it is I guess. Just know that she really does love you so much and looks up to you and kind of wants to be your friend. And I hope that one day, your oil and water will be able to blend a bit more.

You are your father's biggest fan. His love his "dad jokes" and more often than not you are planted next to him watching whatever "nerd" show you've decided to binge. 

And then there's me. You guys always ask me who my favorite is and my response is always you're all my favorite for different reasons. Your reason is that you're the one who made me a mother. You are the one I'm growing up with. You're the one who turned my world upside down first and who continues to do so in so many ways. You are my friend, you are my teacher, you are my boy and my joy.

Jackaboo, I love you. Yes I do, my Jackaboo.

Happy birthday, Bud.