Celebrating YOU!

Five years ago today, we were anxiously in labor and waiting to see your sweet little face for the first time.

I remember so many things about that day.

It was cloudy, and rainy outside as I walked around L&D peering through the windows with your daddy.

Stopping to breathe through my contractions about every 40 feet or so.

I was induced, and was experiencing labor through forced contractions.

Your daddy and I were getting so excited.

It was really happening!

We were having our first baby.

YOU.

You entered this world at exactly 11:23pm on May 2, 2008.

Eyes wide open.

And grunting.

I didn't get to hold you right away because they wanted to suction you really good.

{You had some meconium when they broke my water and you had swallowed a bit.}

But daddy stood there at the warmer, and watched as they rubbed your pink skin dry, and suctioned your nose and mouth.

You were perfect.

A solid seven pounds and two ounces and twenty one inches long.

Huge hands.

And even bigger feet!

A full head of dark hair.

Big dark eyes.

Cherry lips.

We were officially a family.

And, it felt so good.

Everyday since then, you have made all of my wildest dreams come true.

I never knew the love I could have for someone other than your daddy, until you were born.

I love to just drink you in.

All of you.

Your silliness, your intelligence, your bad mood when you don't get what you want, your early morning smile, your giggle, your superhero imagination, your creativity.

Some of my favorite things about you within the last year have been, seeing you play with your sisters in full superhero character{s}. Which in recent days has turned into Raphael from the teenage mutant ninja turtles. Running from one room to the next. Calling out commands in disguised voices.

Flying through the air after jumping from five stairs up and landing on your feet. Climbing on furniture. Tippy toeing on the back on the couch most often.

Taking the couch cushions off and creating obstacles.

With lava. And snakes.

Or creating 3D images like boats, bat cages, race tracks, Superman, Robin, Cat Woman {for sis} out of a flat piece of paper.

I am completely amazed by your ability to use a pair of scissors.

And markers.

With your snipits of paper scattered all over the kitchen floor, countless times a day.

I love that you remember our vacations, and will recreate them at will with your sister.

Claiming to be at places like Kalahari.

All.the.time.

And even asking to call daddy on the phone to tell him to have fifty bundles of wood delivered, just so you can build one in the backyard.

I love your enthusiasm for golf.

Swinging your clubs in the front yard. Hitting balls a good ten yards with your Driver.

And "putting" on the carpet in the den.

Clipping your ball marker on the loop of your jeans.

And asking your daddy to take you to Magic Hills {your favorite course to play at because we told you how they have lights to play at night, although... you have never played at night} whenever the opportunity presents.

I love that you put your shoes in their "cubby" in the hall closet, as soon as you get home.

And prefer slip ons, because you don't have to tie them.

I love that you take a bath, and often forget to wash up, because you are having "too much fun".

I love that your favorite lunch is still a turkey sandwich. With Mayo. No Miracle Whip. 

Can I have one of both?

To which I usually oblige, cutting a whole sandwich into two halves, and buttering each with a slather of mayo on one, and Miracle Whip on the other.

I love that you like to sound out words now. Identifying the first letters.

And asking me how to spell this and that.

So much so, that we often do it while riding along in the car, while I am making dinner, before bed...

And that you like to tell me words that "rhyme".

I love that you wrestle with your sister, and your dad. Screeching with delight when you "beat them".

And tickle Nadie's neck to make her belly laugh. Chasing her around. Calling her your "Zooey".

That you sleep with the hall light and the closet light on.

 And will sometimes ask to sleep in sissy's bed, even though she touches your feet at night.

Just because.

I love that you will sweep the floor, help me dig up plants, pick up clutter, take your pile of folded laundry to your room, and then ask how much "dollars" you get for it.

I love that you love the chickens.

Wanting to go into their house, just to see them. Or help dad clean it out on the weekend.

That you will pick them up, just to pet them.

Or help corral them when the sun sets, and there are two left just sitting outside under the house.

I love that you fight brushing your teeth, but will oblige if there is a chance of having a treat at some point beforehand.

I love that you look forward to Friday and Saturday nights, just so you can bring your pillow and blanket downstairs, and sleep on the floor in the living room.

I love that you ask what day it is, just to count down until it is Friday. Or Saturday.

I love that your favorite color is still blue.

I love that you are growing up. Becoming such a sweet young man.

Respectful.

Holding the door "for the ladies".

And saying your please and thank you's.

And that your little heart is so on fire for our God.

Praying out loud to Him at night. Thanking Him for things like clothes, and our house, and praying for those people that have cancer or are sick.

I have to say, that I am most fond of the fact that you love me like you do.

I can do no wrong in your eyes.

Even when my patience is short.

Or I make you mad because I have rejected your request for something, such as candy first thing in the morning, or a toy at the dollar store, or because it is bedtime.

Your heart for me, is as big as the moon.

And I love that. 

So today, as we celebrate you.

I want you to know that these have been the best five years.

Having you in my life.

And I look forward to many, many more my sweet angel.

 Love,

Momma