HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J.D.

J.D.,
I can't believe you are FOUR years old today!! Where did the time go?? Four years ago today, at this very second that I'm writing this (1am), we were checking into the hospital. I was supposed to be induced at 7am, but I had been having contractions every five minutes for over 24hrs. I tried to wait as long as I could (because I didn't want to be one of those people we always send home!), but I just couldn't bear it any longer, so we decided to go on in. I was 4cm when we got there, and after receiving my lovely epidural, was able to get a little rest. As difficult and as painful as it was (epidural was not working so well by now), I LOVED every second of the delivery process. I loved pushing, I loved your Daddy being there with me and seeing how he was "pushing" with me, and I loved finally getting to see you and all the joy that came with that. I was immediately overwhelmed with LOVE for you, love like I've never experienced before. I'd only just met you, but I would've given my life for you in a second.

Since that day, you have truly been the joy of my life. It has been such a privilege to watch you grow over the last four years and to be there for every "first", every "booboo", and every high-five.

At four, you are becoming quite the little man. You are SO handsome, and people stop to tell me that every where I go. Your smile can melt my heart. You have the most tender heart I know. That is such a beautiful characteristic to have, and I pray you never lose that. You are also hilarious - sometimes daddy and I just crack up at you, which makes it very difficult to discipline you. You are into "knock-knock" jokes, and even the 700th time I've heard it, it still makes me laugh the way you tell it. You still sleep with "Mr.Woobs" (and I'm just fine with that). You would be outside 24/7 if I let you. You are into Thomas the Train, Lightning McQueen, and ANY kind of truck. You are SO good with Mady. You always look out for her, and try to calm her down when she's having a "fit". You guys play so well together, and know how to make each other laugh. She's so blessed to have you as a big brother, and I know you will always love and protect her.

Words can't express how much I love you. I know you don't know now, but one day you will understand. That day you hold your firstborn in your arms, it will all make sense. You are such a joy, and I love you so very much. I thank God every day that he chose you for me.

I love you. Happy Birthday, buddy!!!

FIRST FISHING LESSON

PURE JOY

This just makes my heart melt. Lately, they have been playing really well together. Of course, we have the everyday spats over Mady taking J.D.'s trucks, but they get along great for the most part. Now that Mady is getting a little older, she really wants to do EVERYTHING J.D. is doing, and follows him around like a little puppy. And I think he really enjoys her as well. He is always looking out for her, alerting me when she's doing something "daing-a-wous", and is so sweet with her. They've also started "rough-housing" alot, and that is just hysterical. They will pull each other, flip each other over, all the while cracking up like it's the best time they've ever had. They know how to make each other laugh, and it brings tears to my eyes when I hear them doing it.
I can remember my mom talking about how one of parents deepest desires is to know that their children are close and will remain close after they are gone. I now know what that feels like, and of course want that so much for J.D. & Mady. I know they will grow up and lead separate lives, as they should, but I pray they always stay close and love each other like they do today. I love you guys SO much!!

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

We recently took a trip to the fabulous "Island of Sodor". If you're kids aren't Thomas fans, that's where the engines live. I had heard about this event a few years ago, and was SO excited when I saw they were coming to Tampa. J.D. is in LOVE with Thomas and I just knew he would have a ball. They literally just take an old train station and turn it into this land-of-everything-Thomas. I wasn't sure how he would respond since he usually has to "warm up" to things, but he was so excited when we got there and saw Thomas. Of course, he couldn't actually ride Thomas when we got there because his aunt (who will remain nameless) and I thought we needed to get there TWO hours ahead of time to do all the other fun stuff. We only had to answer the question, "can we ride him yet?" about 473 times. Ha! J.D. & Mady had a blast and it was a great family day.