Letter to My Son on His Birthday

To celebrate nine years of motherhood, I wrote a letter to my son full of love, advice, and gratitude. These words from my heart are for every mama and every child. Plus, grab a free printable to help you write a special letter to a loved one!

My firstborn turned nine last week. NINE. I can’t even believe that I’ve been at this motherhood gig for nine years now! It’s blowing my mind!

Motherhood has been both exactly like and nothing like what I expected. I feel like that’s sort of the definition of motherhood in general–an oxymoron.

• It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do, yet the greatest blessing.
• One second you want to scream, the next you can’t help but smile.
• You can’t decide if it’s the best or worst thing you’ve ever had to do–because honestly it’s a little bit of both.
• It’s mundane, yet different, every single day.
• Time seems to go by so slowly, yet faster than you could have imagined, all at once.
• You want this phase to be over and yet you want to cherish every last second.

That’s motherhood. And I wouldn’t change it for anything!

To celebrate nine years of motherhood, I wrote a letter to my son. I want to share my letter, then help you write special letters to your loved ones!

Letter to My Son

You turned nine this week, and I can’t even believe how much you’ve grown! It seems like yesterday they were placing you in my arms for the first time.

I remember that moment so clearly. You were covered in your own poop, so the nurses asked me if I wanted them to clean you off first. I immediately shouted, “No!” because I couldn’t wait another second to hold you in my arms.

When I did, I cried. You were exactly who I thought you would be. It may have been the first moment we officially met, but I felt like I’d known you forever.

You were mine and I was yours and it was perfect.

Thinking back through your nine years of life, I’m amazed by how you’ve changed, and yet how you’ve stayed the same. You’re just you. And I love that.

I Love You

I love your sense of humor.

I love your laugh.

I love your love of learning.

I love how much like me you are–even if it means we butt heads more than I’d like.

I love how kind and caring and sensitive you are.

I love how you get sad when you hear that someone else had a hard day or is going through a hard time.

I love your testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and your desire to do what’s right.

I love that you choose to stand for goodness and truth.

I love the way you think through things.

I love how much you love to talk and cuddle.

I love that you love to play with your little sister, and let her play with your friends, even though she’s 4 years younger than you.

I love that you’re silly.

I love that you’re creative.

I love that you love to read.

I love your love of music.

I love your heart.

I love the boy you’ve grown into.

Mistakes

I know I haven’t been a perfect mom to you. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes–and still continue to make them–but I’m grateful that you accept my apologies and love me anyway.

Being the first, you’ve been the guinea pig your whole life. And I know that’s not easy. But you deal with it perfectly.

Words for Your Future

I hope you always know and remember that I love you, unconditionally. I hope you always know that no matter what choices you make, no matter how badly you think you’ve messed up, that I will love you. Always.

I hope you always know that you can come to me and talk to me, openly. I hope you know that I’ll always be there for you.

I hope you remember how much your Father in Heaven loves you, and Jesus too. They’ll always be there for you. There is nothing strong enough to diminish that love.

Always remember that you are enough, as you are. Your value is set. It never changes. It doesn’t go up because you do something good, but it also doesn’t lower because you make a mistake. You were born to be a king.

Things to Remember

• “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” -Thomas S. Monson
• Be the kind kid.
• Be who you are! You’re the best and only you out there, and YOU are needed.
• Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right.
• Never let someone sit or play alone.
• “It’s better to be kind than to be right.” -Anne Lamott
• Remember that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared. It means doing something even though it scares you.
• But also remember that it’s okay to be scared.
• It’s also okay to be sad.
• But don’t forget to recognize the joy in every day, because even in the darkest of times, you can find light.
• Learn to be grateful. Gratitude brings happiness.
• Don’t forget to pray. Let God be a part of your life.
• Be quick to forgive. Holding on to anger only hurts you.
• Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m sorry,” when you mess up.
• Work hard, play hard.
• There is magic and beauty all around you–you just have to find it. And if you can’t find it, make it.
• Kindness matters.

The Future

As much as I want you to stay little forever, I can’t wait to watch you grow up. I know you’re going to do amazing things with your life and I can’t wait to cheer you on.

Thank you for making me a mom!

I love you.

Love,

Mom

Writing Your Letter: Free Printable

I created a free printable to help you write a special letter to your loved ones. This printable will help you brainstorm all the important parts of a special letter loved ones will want to keep forever and read again and again!

Just pop in your email below and a copy will be sent straight to your inbox.

If you liked this post, be sure to check these out:

• 5 Habits to Boost Happiness in Motherhood
• Why Talking with Your Kids Matters and How to Do It
• 6 Truths About Motherhood I Learned from Failing Potty Training
• Hey Mama, I See You: A Reminder for Moms that You are Enough

Britney is a wife and mom with a passion for helping other women see the good inside of them. She loves podcasts, polka dots, and dancing around the kitchen with her family.