I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

I had 9 months of nausea, eating ketchup on everything and I gained 75 lbs. Then October 9th came. On this day ten years ago my life was turned upside down but in one of the best ways possible. I was scared and I had just given birth to my first child, a son, and though I thought I knew what I was getting myself in to the last 10 years have been a major learning experience. I believe he has taught me as much if not more than I have taught him. I didn't know where my life was headed before I was given my Caleb. I still don't know where life is headed but I will do my best to be a good mother to my son(s). I went from being a young woman who didn't know how to survive on her own to doing so and keeping two other humans alive and well in the process. Caleb was only 3 when I started blogging so some of you have watched him grow up online along the way.

Caleb,
Happy 10th birthday bud. It's hard to believe you are in the double digits now. I want you to know I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be your mom. You changed me more than you will ever know. We have been there for one another through many laughs and many tears. I have learned so much from you and I hope that one day you'll realize just how much ol' mom had to teach you along the way.

Everyone says how much you look like your dad. I know it's true, I've compared baby photos myself to see just how much you are your daddy's son. I hope that you know that you are very special to your dad and I. Just because we all don't live in the same house doesn't mean your dad and I love you (and your brother) any less than when we all lived under the same roof. You and Kyle are everything to us. Not only do you look like your dad but you act like him too. You are a quiet guy who is observant and a people watcher. You are one excited guy come hunting season. You love your electronics, beekeeping, WVU and Cowboys football, NASCAR, Duck Dynasty and super hero shows from the dvr, Reese's candy, mint chocolate ice cream, and some good ol' fried chicken legs. You are my country boy.

You may look and act like your dad but you are a proud mama's boy and there's nothing wrong with that. I love that you can talk to me about anything and ask me anything. There's no such thing as a dumb question and I hope you never lose your sense of wonder about the world. I love that you are so helpful. You have a BIG heart and and wear it proudly on your sleeve. You will make someone very happy one day I do believe but for now I'm glad that it's me who you trust with your secrets and your heart and I hope you always feel as close to me as you have the last 10 years.

Caleb, I am so, so proud of the young man you are becoming. I don't know what your future holds but I want you to always be yourself- who ever you feel that is. Don't let anyone bring you down or make you feel like you are not important. Don't stop asking questions, don't stop caring for others, don't stop making silly noises and jokes, and please try and continue to be nice to your little brother. He may pester you more than you deserve but he loves you and you two are stuck with each other so ya may as well make the best of it. I want you to continue being the gentleman you are. Hold doors for other people, continue to give (you often give more than is expected of you at times I know), use your manners mama and daddy have driven deep in you. Keep passing out the hugs, high fives, and being the rock star that you are.

Together we have survived projectile baby vomit, toddler stumbles and head gashes, school bullies, and heartbreak of the loss of dear loved ones. I know we both yell sometimes but we always go to our quiet spots and then work through it and hug and kiss and each other at the end of the day. I may be the mean mom sometimes but it's in your best interest. Everything I do is all for you (and your brother). I will always be cheering you on from the sidelines. I know you will continue to grow up and step a little farther away from Mama but I want you to know I am always here. Happy 10th birthday, Caleb. I love you always.

~Mom