A letter to the birthday boy

"Hey Will, let me take your picture with your cake." 

"Okay, but smile this time." 

Pretending to spit on the cake so that no one else will want to eat it.  

Look at that handsome smile.  

Dear Will:  Today you are 15. FIFTEEN! Don't ask me how that's possible.  (I can hear you answering this question with the perfect blend of sarcasm and science, "Well mom, that's how time works.") I just know it's moving all so fast.  You can read this blog whenever you want now so I won't go into embarrassing details about how cute you are when you are snuggling one of the pets or how your sense of humor is both delightful and exasperating, usually in the same thirty seconds.  You probably won't want me to mention that you were  on the honor roll for your first semester of high school.  You also don't love it that we think you are so handsome.  Daily, I'm reminded that you are taller than me by several inches now and I think your dad's next.  Your voice is so low that a few days ago I heard Glenn talking to someone in the kitchen and I thought that a neighbor had stopped by.  Nope, just my kid.  

Will, I hate that I can't find out about any breaking sports news before you do because your phone beats me to it and I only get a hard start when you are either still asleep or sitting in class without your phone handy.  The day the Broncos signed Russell Wilson.... well let's just say that I don't think a lot of studying was happening during your school day.  You are a knowledgeable sports fan and while you don't always have the "hope springs eternal" view of some of your favorite teams, you are always happy when they do well.  

You discovered Wordle a few weeks ago and you like to send me your screenshots of a successful game and you get mad if I give you too many hints.  You've been preparing for next Fall's football season since the last one ended and you have a new baseball season starting up soon.  Your love of all things sport and competition give your dad and I a lot of joy (and heartache sometimes but mostly joy).  We just love to watch you play.  

Happy fifteenth birthday big kid.