Growing Up

Cade is now 9. In fact, he's been 9 for over a month. I can't believe he is growing up. He no longer needs me to tie his shoes or brush his teeth. He used to be my right hand man. I remember the little buddy he was to me. Some of my fondest memories of my time with him was when I was pregnant with Cloee and on bed rest at home. He would sleep with me every night on the mattress that was brought downstairs for me. He would bring me big cups full of water, even if I didn't ask, just because he knew that's what I liked. He would put movies on for me and turn the lights off when we were going to sleep. He would tickle my back. He would brush my hair. He would bring me books so I could read to him. And then he would put them back where they belonged so there wouldn't be a mess. He would ask about the baby and if she was going to come out soon. He would ask if Mommy was going to be okay or if I was going to have to sleep on the mattress on the floor forever. One time he even saved me. I was bleeding A LOT. More than normal. I made it to the bathroom and I was very faint and couldn't get up and could hardly talk. I was not doing well. He got the phone and called Grammy (who then called Sandy Carder to come over). It was very scary and he knew just what to do.

love this picture- proof that my squishy little boy just isn't so squishy anymore

My sweet, sweet boy is growing up. Faster than I can believe. He doesn't seem to need Mom much anymore. Makes me so sad. Sometimes he will even be sassy to me (*mouth drop*). It's like our little bond isn't there any more. I thought you were my main dude, Cade. What happened? Did I just get too busy for you since having Cloee and now Cash? Or are you just growing up and you can now do a lot of things for yourself so you don't really need me as much? I am so sad about it and don't know what to do.
I can't throw a football with you as well as Daddy. I don't build a fabulous LEGO tower like Dad can. I am not into Boy Scouts as much as Daddy. And I don't like to sweat along with you like Daddy does.
I still love you just as much as he does though.
I can cook a better meal than Daddy (most days), I keep your dresser full of clean clothes that fit, and I am very good at 3rd grade spelling and math (just wait until junior high and I will be your go-to gal for homework help). I don't mind cleaning your toilet and I make sure you always have toothpaste and "Man Soap". I provide something different than Daddy but it doesn't involve you and I being together at all. I hope this doesn't last forever, although I fear it will, unless I get my cleats on and start coaching your football or something.
I hope I am teaching you the things you need to know to be a success out in the real world some day. It is little by little and will take until the day you leave me for a mission, college, and then marriage. I really like when you empty the garbages but I like it even more that you are learning how to be diligent and obedient. You have always been very obedient when Mommy or Daddy ask you to do something. I love that about you and I always pray that you will continue in being so obedient that it will carry over to your obedience to our Heavenly Father.
Cade, please stop growing up. I can't take it. Your squishy little legs that could barely walk have grown so long and those round cheeks that I would smoosh my lips into have been replaced by a strong jaw. Your muscles are outta control. Soon your voice will start to change and you will grow hair on your face (and elsewhere- YIKES!).
For who you are and who you are becoming, I am proud of you, son. You are an amazing kid, an amazing brother, and an amazing son. Keep up the good work. Keep being a good friend. Keep being a loyal scout. Keep lovin' your sisters (even when Cloee bugs you or when you want to smooch all over her but she isn't up for it). Keep lovin' your brother, you patiently waited nearly 9 years for him to get here and perhaps one day he may be as big and as strong as you. Keep lovin' your Mom and Dad, you mean the world to us and will always be the Brudder Der (Brother Bear)!
And always love your Heavenly Father and go to him in times of need, or times when you don't need so much and then thank Him for the wonderful life you have been given. He loves you. A LOT!