This Boy

This is my first born.

My Matthew Moo

or Mister Silly.

My boy who I sent up to put away his Daddy's shoes, who didn't return for a long time.

But surprised me with a made bed and organized closet.

My boy who is the most reliable basement cleaner.

But who is also supremely distractable.

(which, his father reminds me, I cannot fault him for, as he is my child)

And when he doesn't return from a chore for a long time,

might be going the extra mile,

but could just as easily be found in the same state you left him.

Although with some fabulous discovery to tell you about.

"Mom, see this robot I am working on! It has a pincher arm, and a . . ."

And when I say in exhasperation, "Sweetheart, you still don't have your pajamas on?"

His replies, "But Mom, I was just thinking."

My boy who loves to make dinner.

And follow the recipe.

But also delights in dumping everything he can find in the blender and hitting "frappe".

My boy who dreams of flying to Mars,

or driving tanks,

or inventing magical robots,

or being the fastest chopping chef ever.

My most passive boy.

My boy who tries his best to be obedient and follow directions.

Though his curious mind often gets the better of him.

My boy who just moved to his own room.

And when I checked on him the first night found him sound asleep,

with the light on,

and a book under his heavily breathing chest.

My boy who is enamored with "my own" desk,

and loves to sit in his new private space and draw,

but still likes to sleep with me, and snuggle on my lap.

My boy who leads his brothers,

and includes them,

and watches out for them,

(when he remembers).

My boy who said, "Call 911!" (which I did)

during a frantic/hysterical 10 minutes when we thought his youngest brother was lost.

Only to be found sound asleep under a pile of blankets on the family room couch.

Thankfully before the police actually showed up. But not before I had given out his description.

My boy who said our family prayer that evening when the commotion had died down,

and after thanking our Father in Heaven that Joseph was found safe said,

speaking to his Heavenly Father,

"I want to say this about you. You and Jesus,

you are the wonderfullest people we have ever had to be our God."

And when I said my prayers that evening,

I thanked my God,

for him.