Dear Maximus,
A lot has happened since I last wrote on this blog. Its 2020 and I believe this year will go down in history for sure. It is the year of Covid-19, the deadly virus that has spread throughout the world and led to subsequent quarantines, shut down of many businesses, working and schooling from home, mask mandates and a lot of fear. Our family has spent a lot of time together. You and Titus went on Spring break and never returned for the remainder of your school year. This was especially sad because you had Ms. Payne, the best teacher ever, and didn't get to finish the school year with her and see the baby chicks hatch in her room. You did get to watch a live feed though, so that was cool. Luckily we got a pool in April so we have been able to swim all summer. Sometimes you swim laps with me. I have been working from home for the most part since March so anytime I had a break in my day I would run out for a quick hug from you and Titus. You were usually always playing basketball or video games while I was working. We started off the new school year from home but last week you were able to return to in-person learning. So far 3rd grade is going well for you.
2020 has also been a year of intense riots and protests regarding social justice issues, the police and the group "Black Lives Matter." There is a lot of political unrest. Many people hate Donald Trump. There was a group of people in Seattle who took over several city blocks called CHOP. The wild fires are some of the worst the country has ever seen. There was also an emergency of killer hornets out of Africa, and sewer rats in the US that can be up to 40lbs. There are a lot of horrible things to focus on in the news, which has made me want to focus on the joy you and Titus bring me even more. 
Tomorrow you turn 9. I really can't believe it. In some ways your years flew by and I feel like I was just here in this same spot in the living room with my hand on my belly feeling you kick. On the other hand, some of the memories of your infant and toddler years feel like a lifetime ago. I guess that is how it is when you love someone so much and have watched them grow. You have impacted my life unlike anything or anyone before you. You made my heart love in a whole new way.
We got you a new bike and some pjs, a Phoenix Suns wallet and a silk pillow case (you wanted one so bad, haha) for your birthday. It was the first birthday where there were no toys. You almost never play with toys anymore. In fact, even Titus doesn't really play with them. It was a sad realization for me. I used to get frustrated by all the toys around the house and the seemingly endless amounts of cleaning up I was always doing. I dreaded the excess of toys after a holiday and the arduous task of finding a way to organize everything. Now, I no longer have those "problems" but I also no longer get to watch you sit 
and play toys in the little creative world of your sweet mind. Don't get me wrong, I have also been really enjoying this phase of your life. You and I went and played tennis together last weekend after getting some groceries and stuff for your birthday party. You picked up the tennis really quickly and we had a lot of fun laughing and talking together. You have also been a big help around the house and you are growing up tobe very kind and responsible. I always notice things about you that remind me of myself as a kid. It makes me feel really proud.
I love you. I hope you have a happy birthday, buddy.
