Double digits

It's been a fantastic decade!

Ten years since the arrival of this dude... and the beginning of a new era.

Just look at the size of this guy.  He keeps waking up each morning bigger and taller (why on earth do we keep sending him to bed each night?).

This boy is absolutely one of the smiliest people I ever knew (possibly barring my own dad, but this guys is definitely a serious contender for first place).

I am seriously bursting at the seams with pride over my little man.

I always have been I suppose.

But lately, the credit has been well and truly well-earned on his own merit.

It's still early days to tell if there is a Shakespeare, Einstein, Mozart or Da Vinci waiting in the wings. At this age, almost all possbilities are wide open.

What does shine through is that unpretentious spirit... sincerity... sense of honour... milk of human kindness or whatever you want to call it. That's what shines through.

Of course, I wholeheartedly recognise that every child deep inside has their own amazing spark. Maybe some whose spark actually burns brighter than most. However most of us usually maintain a veneer of jokes, clever quips, smart-aleckness, cool demeanors, shyness or small talk. Including myself.

That is why it's so refreshing, even healing, when you do meet those rare souls who come with arms wide open, heart on their sleeve.

You will know when you encounter them.

Perhaps that's the reason why Nathan gravitates to fantasy and adventure stories of chivalry and valour.

Wizards of magical kingdoms...

Knights of the Round Table...

Ninjas and Superheroes...

Pirates of the Carribbean...

We had a big bash to celebrate the momentous occasion back in December (Christmas baby, remember?) playing Laser Tag with all his friends, followed by pizza and cake. As he usually prefers to keep his birthday celebrations more low key and exclusive, we were more than happy to splurge all out on him. After all, it's not every day a boy turns ten.

As I browse through my frequent anecdotes and posts which peppered this space so frequently, especially in the early days of this era... it's definitely apparent that those jottings were mainly a reflection of my journey as a parent (though still intertwined with Nathan's own journey). But as Nathan's own individuality continues to develop, I'd have to begin drawing a veil over some of these reflections to respect his privacy. We'll see how we go, but it's something I'd continue to think about. 

It's been such a blast seeing this story unfold...

And I know the story will just keep getting more amazing with each passing year.

Here's to the start of the double digit era!