My beautiful boy. You are 8 today.
Daddy described you as being half-way to 16 and my heart nearly stopped.
I don’t know why that shocks me as you’re practically a teenager already in your moods and attitudes.
‘I wish I was 17!’ you shout during those famous door-slamming, book-throwing strops. For you, 17 is that magic age when you’ll be pretty much a grown-up, independent, a free state. The same age as your big brother Isaac, your hero.
I watch you asleep, curled up with best friend and confidante Winnie the Pooh.
Your eyelids twitch and I know you’re escaping dungeons or fighting crime or scoring your 1000th goal in the World Cup 2025. You have always had such an active imagination and an amazing way with words.
God is a storyteller. He tells stories about the world. – Ezra, age 6
I’ve had strangers listening in on our conversations and later tapping me to remark on how bright you are. And don’t you know it. Even though sometimes you’re painfully self-conscious, you also have your father’s habit of telling me about your brilliance. *Eye roll*
I’m very clever at school, Mum.
Who told you that?
I am!
But who said you were clever?
Myself. – Ezra, age 3
But I have to acknowledge how often you blow me away. I love watching you express yourself in words, on the football pitch, on the dance floor. You have always moved to the beat of your own DJ.
Like many kids, you’re a walking contradiction. One minute, pinning Jed to the floor with your knees. The next, you sound like Gandhi.
I don’t do rough battling. Violence isn’t the answer. Violence only makes you lose. – Ezra, age 7
It’s been such a privilege watching you develop into this boisterous, shy, quietly confident, ultra loud, thoughtful, bicep-curling, book-toting, breakdancing, ball-obsessed individual.
A natural striker, who’s learning the joy of passing and assists. A slapstick comedian, who laughs at all his own jokes (another trick from Daddy).
I won’t pretend it’s all been hugs and giggles. I’ve probably yelled at you louder and with more feeling than anyone else in my life. I’m sorry, especially for that time I scared both of us with the force of it.
Neither of us deserved to be at breaking point but I love that we can talk it over and keep learning from where and how we clash. Little Miss Stubborn and her even more obstinate progeny.
I want to go to MacDonald’s!
You’re not in control.
You’re not in control! You’re out of control! – Ezra, age 4
I love that you are learning to take a time-out on your own, rather than always turn the room upside down. And that you listen, really listen, when I talk to you about big concepts like perspective and values and responsibility.
Back in the day, you handled things differently.
Jed grabbed my hair so I knocked him down. I’m giving him advice – Ezra, age 4
Sure, much of the time you talk over me. Then there are the times when you know exactly what to say.
When I was born I was so happy to see that you were my mummy. That’s why I cried. – Ezra, age 5
Sweet baby, are you really eight years old?
And has it only been eight years and nine months since I’ve had you as my near-constant companion? It feels like we’ve known each other much longer. In fact, I know we have.
I’m a man. But not yet. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. – Ezra, age 2
Happy birthday, little man. Eight is going to be a beautiful year. Love, Mum x
*Quotes from ‘The Book of Ezra’ – a work in progress!
Ezra, when i see you i know God is alive and well, you have always been a carbon copy of your mum, my baby sister, yes she is lol. Its been a privilege watching you grow up and your such a combination of your parents, have a great year and always take care of jed and mum and dad. love you much Uncle OBi
Beautiful message for a beautiful boy. Happy birthday Ezra! xx
My Darling Ezra,
It’s hard to believe that 8 years have passed since you came into our lives. Thank God for bringing you into being and blessing us with your loud, lovely, rambunctious self. I look forward to seeing your mischievous grin, hyperactive jumping and general Ezra-ness in just a few days. I hope you are having a wonderful day today, full of everything you would want for your birthday. I always tell the story of when you were about 3 and you dropped one of your toys. As I picked it up and gave it back to you, you said very seriously, “Thank you Aunty Nkiru.” Followed by, “I am very proud of you, Aunty Nkiru!” Right back at you my darling.
Thank you Uncle Obi, Ezra reminds us a lot of you too (sporty, talkative, um…. talkative haha!) Much love from us all x
Thanks so much Nomita, special day, feeling a little emotional :-) xoxo
Awww I remember that too! Thank you Auntie Nkiru, and we look forward to unleashing the Ezra-ness on you soon xoxo
This brought tears to my eyes, utterly beautiful, honest, truthful. He is wonderful because his mother is. So, so clever and knowing so young, what an incredible boy. I think is my most favourite post of yours ever. Keep being amazing both of you xx
Aww thank you Vicki, really appreciate your words. Ezra still asks after you :-) Will have to get the boys together soon. He’s had a great day and is so excited about being 8, his favourite number! xoxo
UJU! Oh my goodness, what a milestone! And I can attest to his brilliance, he is wise beyond his years. And oddly enough, in reading this I felt I was talking about M — he’s my constant companion, says sweet things that leave me completely surprised, throws insane tantrums and yet his reasoning is just mind blowing. E is definitely one of a kind…I mean, he told me what he thought of ME first time we met. Boom! I can hear him saying all of these things and they brought a smile to my face. You have a beautiful family and two very special boys who will always be there for their mummy :) xoxo
Dear Ezra,
Just want you to know how loved you are. Despite how you may knock Jed down some times, you have always been so loving, kind and patient with your baby cousin Nuli. Right from the day she was born you’ve always proclaimed how much you love her and you were only 5. Well now Nuli, your uncle Obi and I want you to know how much we love you. Happy birthday you special boy and cant wait to see you soon.
Hey Mami, I know can you believe he’s 8 already?! And yes he definitely speaks his mind haha. Thank you so much for your words, you’ve got special little people too and I can’t wait to meet the delicious L :-) Big hugs chica xoxo
Thank you so much Auntie Yets. Yes, Ezra really does have a one of a kind relationship and affection for his baby cousin Nuli. These messages mean a lot to him, appreciate you taking the time to send him birthday love xoxo
Happy Birthday, darling Ezra! I know you had a wonderful birthday, and you deserve it for all the love and light you bring. It feels like just yesterday, when I last saw you – you were barely one, and I was visiting with your cousin Uyi. Well, I’ve told Uyi about her London cousins and she cant wait to come over and play again. Now that you all can walk and talk, I know it’ll be even more fun:). Happy birthday, we love you, ride safe!! xoxo Aunty Chinwe
Thank you Auntie Chinwe, it really does seem like yesterday since Ezra and Uyi were sitting side by side in their pushchairs! Now they are really doing more than their fair share of walking and talking! We look forward to playing with you all again soon too xoxo
Awwwwwwwww! Your kid is so adorable! I kept awwing while reading this. *sigh* I can’t wait to be a mom someday
http://www.cassiedaves.com
Aww thank you Cassie, he’s a sweetheart and now about to hit secondary school bizarrely! It goes way too quickly :-) x