Casey the Bean! You're such a creature. Such an original. On the eve of your eleventh birthday... well, I can't say the things I used to say. I can no longer talk about the cute little toddler habits. You have that preteen edge at times now, that glint in your eyes when I talk to you that tells me, "I hear you, but I CAN'T hear you. Not now. Not just yet." Your primary purpose is becoming this powerhouse of humor, wit, spice, independence, and, as always, noise. Everything you do, from your personal style to your incredible beat-boxing, parkour moves, and CONSTANT whistling is all you. I admire how you've never even attempted to tone it down, you double-ear-pierced, scarf-wearing, ripped jeans boy. You stand up for your friends and siblings, no matter what the cost. Everyone needs a Casey on their side! You are like no one I've met before. You have an inherent strength that roots for the underdog... while making friends with the overdog? I don't know how, but it's that thing you do, always keeping the peace and finding the best in people. I still can't leave you alone for five minutes without you finding a new friend. You started out in this world on the quiet side, but now it's "Hi, World! I'm Casey! Tell me about yourself! Or we could just run around. What do YOU wanna do?"
You are my sweet biscuit of a human. As you tell me at bedtime every night when you kiss your hand and slap it on my forehead, "I love you forever andeverandeverandeverandeverandeverandever!" And forever, I love you too. Happy 11th to my Beans.
