these little boys of mine

Sometimes I just stare at them and wonder how I EVER got so lucky to be their mother. How lucky I am to have these amazing, sweet little people in my life. They make me smile, and sometimes cry. They make me feel strong and important, beautiful and smart. They make me happy, and warm. I am thankful for their giggles, smiles and hugs. Thankful they come to me and ask for help. I hope it never changes.

They make me... happy.

three

Little L is turning three this weekend. Three! I can't believe three years has passed already since they placed him in my arms. He was such a sweet, mellow baby. He slept most of the time as an infant. We all laugh that he was just saving up his energy. He woke up one day and flipped the switch. He's the most energetic, physical little boy!

He's so imaginative, silly and sweet. There is such a sweet heart behind all the energy. He has this little mischievous twinkle in his eyes that never leaves. On a good day, I love, love, love it. On a bad day, it's almost enough to drive this mama insane. The good outweigh the rough days though.

At three, you love batman, running, jumping, dancing and anything dangerous. You linger before getting in the car each & every morning to take your sister to school. That linger is just long enough to let you get covered in mud, fall in a puddle, or find something "interesting" to get into. You love tea and chocolate milk-not at the same time. You still twirl your hair while drinking your milk. I wonder if that habit will follow you through life as a relaxing, coping mechanism. You alternate between a batman, superman and a cowboy shirt several times each day, sometimes by the hour.

I love you more that the stars, my sweet, sweet boy! Happy Birthday.

This week...

This week, my very first baby turned seven. I feel so emotional about it all. This is my son who made me a mother. He taught what it was really like to love someone else more than myself [the very moment I laid eyes on him]. The boy who makes me laugh hysterically and also makes me want to tear the hair from my head at times [often all in the same day].

How in the world has seven years passed so quickly? I feel as if he was just on my shoulder, snuggled into the rocking chair, awaiting the dawn with me. First steps, first smiles, laughs, giggles, food, first teeth, then lost teeth, school... these things have seemed to pass in a whirlwind. Sure each year I say wow, your growing fast, but somehow seven is so very different. Seven just seems so... grown. He needs me so much less as the years pass. No longer do I need to help his chubby little fingers button coats, or put on stubborn shoes. He asks to be left alone to play at times, not begging me to play with him. He's no longer a baby, certainly not a toddler, but not a man yet either- a small time just in between. I like feel I will blink and he'll be a teenager-all angsty and wanting to borrow my car.

He's creative, unique, funny, silly and just overall a cool person. He has this great way of looking at life with such optimism and a drive to change things for the better. I see him doing wonderful things in his life, and I'm a proud mama!
I'm so thankful for the past seven years that I've gotten to spend with him.

Happy Birthday [my baby] Son!