That’s my boy.

I look at you, and it feels as though my heart might burst.

I watch you, and though it’s been a while, I still can’t believe you’re mine.

I hold you close, and a piece of me wishes it would always be this way.

That you would forever be my boy.

But, as I watch you grow, I know you’re becoming less of that sweet, little boy.

And, as time charges on, I can already see the man you’re becoming.

Yet as I look at you, I trust in my heart that it will always be this way.

That no matter how many years have passed, you’ll never stop being my boy.

Even once you’re taller than me.

Even once your voice has grown deeper.

Even once I no longer snuggle you in my arms.

I’ll always look at you and say, “That’s my boy.”

When you take your first steps, that’s my boy.

When you race across the backyard, that’s my boy.

When you climb all over that playground, that’s my boy.

When you feel a bit too scared to try, that’s my boy.

When you face your fears, that’s my boy.

When you have ice cream smeared across your lips, that’s my boy.

When you need my help, that’s my boy.

When you do it alone, that’s my boy.

When you make the right choice, that’s my boy.

When you screw up, that’s my boy.

When you hold the door open for a stranger, that’s my boy.

When you ace the test, that’s my boy.

When you don’t do as well as you’d hoped, that’s my boy.

When you play the lead role, that’s my boy.

When you stand in the background, that’s my boy.

When you head out on your first date, that’s my boy.

When you drive the car away, that’s my boy.

When you score the winning point, that’s my boy.

When you strike out, that’s my boy.

Wherever you go.

Whatever you do.

When you’re high and when you’re low.

When you’re happy and when you’re sad.

When you’re still my sweet babe and when you’re grown.

No matter what.

I’ll always look at you and say, with all the love and pride my heart can contain,

“That’s my boy.”

This post originally appeared on Kisses From Boys with Krista Ward