7.

...more days until you turn double digits. 10 years old.  Where has the time gone?  I started this in 2011...so while it hasn't quite been 10 years...close enough, right? And sure we have a gap year or two, but we've been busy!  Excuses I know. Let's get back to the point.

You're turning 10.  Ten. 1-0. This is the age I told myself I'd tell you about this blog...because I felt you'd be old enough to read it, and 10 is such a milestone.  What a ride it's been.  

We find ourselves in an unprecedented time in history right now...one I've not ever seen in my lifetime, and one that I'm sorry you are having to witness in your young one.  You've been out of school since the middle of March because of the pandemic known as COVID-19 or the coronavirus. We've been navigating the world of remote learning for you and Madeleine, and for me, balancing the world of all of a sudden becoming a math/science/reading/writing/all the things teacher while trying to work and remain engaged from home. It's hard.  Some days are really hard.  But we get through them. Getting outside helps.  Going for walks with the dog, feeling the sunshine (when it's out!), and just breathing air outside of the four walls of home. Sometimes I make you run laps around the house, just to burn some energy. But also, I just need that 20 seconds or so of pure silence and alone time.  Plus it's fun to watch you and Mads compete. 

Madeleine celebrated her 5th birthday in "quarantine status", and so will you, my friend.  But we'll make the most of it.  We have ten years to reflect on.  I'm so very proud of you...of the young man you're growing into. You're an amazing big brother to Madeleine, who adores you and the very air you breathe.  We have so many laughs, and while the 9 year old attitude can rear its head now and again, there are times that I'm reminded that you're still just little.  Your world has been uprooted from its normal and we are struggling every day to create new normal.

Seven more days.  
Here's a tiny look back from year one: