Two Years and Lots of Love Later

This day two years ago.  There was a flood of emotions going on in that hospital room.  Worry.  Fear.  Sadness.  Guilt.

However, this day today?  It now brings a plethora of happy ones.   

But mostly with this day comes an abundance of gratitude.

I'm grateful for such a beautiful gift that I never knew I wanted and needed to make my life so much more abundant.

For a smile that brightens even the darkest of my days.

And a laugh that is contagious.

For a little life that exudes joy not only to me, but to so many around him.

(Be still my heart.  I can just feel the love in these pictures.)

For the love and support of so many friends and family members.

And a Brother and Sister that will be better people because of him.

I couldn't put enough words on this page to express to you how thankful I am for this Boy and for all of the lessons he's taught me these past two years.  Oh, how I enjoy watching his little personality unfold daily.  His sense of humor.  His desire to make people laugh.  His love for music.  The way he dances each time he hears an upbeat song.  His stubborn streak.  (And boy does he have one!)  His determination in some areas.  And laziness in others.  His tender-heart.  His appetite as big as the moon.      (He gets a lot of it honest.)

I am thankful for each and every part of who he is...including that extra chromosome. ;)

I'll end with some party pics.  I am also thankful for parents that hosted his birthday party at their house and helped out a bunch.  I had lots of fun planning his party.  Thrifting, making, buying his decorations, and coming up with "Woodlands" themed snacks.  We didn't let a little rain stop us from having a great party full of friends, family, and love.  And an awesome cake made by Dustin's Aunt Debbye and his cousin, Jennifer.  Thanks again to everyone! :)

(An added bonus, one of my best friends and her kids were in town from Orlando and got to come to the party!)

He is no doubt an incredible blessing, and I am so very lucky to be his Momma.  I celebrate him this day and every day. 

Happy Birthday Little Man! 

And many more...

Kindergarten Here She Comes!

 The First Day of School (Author unknown)

She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside

the others in the class,

I realized how all to soon 

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as 
She first learned how to walk.  
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seemed as though she must have grown 

To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily

I brushed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And keep her by the hand.

To lead her through the places

That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,

To work her problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn 

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She's not my baby anymore--

She's in Kindergarten today.

I'm not gonna lie.  Today was tough!

 But then again, so was Monday when I sent this guy to THIRD GRADE!

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)   It's their time to show their independence and to shine.  And it's my time to let go.  As hard as that may be.

"May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent from the another." (Genesis 31:49)

And on an end note.  The dress Sister is wearing in the pictures was mine.  I took pictures in it when I started Kindergarten.  I have dreamt of the day that my little girl would wear it too, so these pictures make my heart very happy!