Apollo turns 11

He may not have received his Hogwarts letter, but he is plenty magical when it comes animals. His patience and understanding of them, draws animals to him. He is endlessly entertained by creatures and never tires of them or their antics. He is Newt Skamander, Radagast the Brown, or Saint Francis; take your pick. His favorite part of any trip to anywhere in the world, will undoubtedly be some interaction with an animal. The world can use more wizards like him.
  Apollo turns eleven today and as I reflect on his life this far, I feel an immense amount of satisfaction and pride. As his father, I see his potential. I know what he is capable of becoming. I also know his weaknesses and what his struggles are. As with any parent, I want the best for this son of mine and want him to be successful and happy when he becomes a man.

  At 11, Apollo stands about 5' tall. He lingers in the 90th percentile for height for his age. He loves tennis, cycling, and enjoys swimming. He is an avid reader and always has a book in his hands. Currently, he is reading the Harry Potter series.
 Apollo has a quick wit, great sense of humor, and an over developed sense of sarcasm. One of my greatest pleasures in life is when Apollo decides to wake his mom up in the morning before she wants to be up. With a very exaggerated tone of bliss and contempt in his made up, high pitched voice, he will pet her head and her arm while saying things like, "Oooooh! What happened? Did the morning come too soon? Are you sleepy? Time to get uuuup!" And when Melanie protests, it just adds fuel to the fire, "Ooooooooh! Did you get angry? Get up mama! Time to get up?"

  I can honestly say that Apollo is a happy kid. I see it on his face when I pick him up from school. I see it in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. And then there is that smile. Not the cheesy smile that he uses whenever we try to take a picture of him, but the genuine smile that can light up the most dismal room. 
 Eleven is gateway age. The journey through puberty, testosterone, and attitude is at our doorstep and I am nervous about navigating the next phase of his life. But for now, I am content with this gregarious animal loving boy of mine.



Happiest of Birthdays Apollo!!!

~I love you~