Eight years ago today...

This little monkey came into my life. (Eight years...how is that possible??) Look at that happy face! He was such an active, joyful baby. Always on the go and full of personality. I remember vividly the night he was born -- at 6:45pm. I had a pretty short labor -- about five to six hours. He weighed 6 lbs, 9oz. I remember feeling so tired as the night wore on, but I didn't want to let him out of my sight. I just gazed at him most of the night, amazed at everything about him. Full of love, full of hope ~~ instantly wondering how I would protect such a sweet little thing in this big, crazy world.

Now my sweet boy is anything but small. He is nearly as tall as me and we've discovered that we are nearly wearing the same size shoe! He is finishing up 2nd grade today and is incredibly smart ~ excelling at reading, spelling and math. He has a hot temper and likes to test my patience, but he is also quite sensitive and has a warm heart. He loves spending time just the two of us and we rarely get those moments. I cherish each and every one we do get.

As sad as I feel when my kids get older, I am also incredibly grateful for these past eight years and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

So -- Happy Birthday Ryan!!! I love you more than you will ever, ever know. I hope you will always dream big and have faith in your abilities. You can do anything you set your mind to and I look forward to what life has in store for us. God bless you my boy. I love you!