My kids’ birthdays are always so emotional for me. It’s a milestone in their lives, so huge and IMPORTANT to them. But for the mama, it’s even bigger.
It is memories… they swell up like an ocean wave and come flooding back in a rush of emotion. The pregnancy, giving birth, breastfeeding, the overwhelming I’ve-been-up-all-night-trying-to-figure-out-what-this-baby-needs exhaustion. The tiny toes, wrinkly skin, fuzzy hair. The smiles, chubby legs, crawling, WALKING! Hearing”mama” and “lub ooo” and “I snuggle you.” Running hugs, gleeful excitement, giggly my-whole-heart-is-filled-with-joy delight! Playdates, swimming lessons, best friends, bike rides, boo-boos, tears, laughter. There are so many milestones, moments, & memories along the way. As moms we have the privilege of watching the tiny baby grow and transform and become. It is an amazing journey that fills me with wonder, gratitude, and a thankful heart every day of my life. I am so honored, so blessed, so amazed at this gift from God, this gift of my children.
So while birthdays are a milestone for the child, they are a memory for the mama. And so very, very precious.
My own sweet boy turned 6 this month. SIX! I’m still in shock. Or denial. Or both!
Here are some images of my baby boy, 6 years ago, a tiny 7lbs 7oz newborn. Ahhhhhh….
And 6 years later:
Here he is with his best buddy, L, who will turn SIX next month also. In honor of the big occasion they had their first sleepover, complete with the [very cool it’s-a-boy-thing] garage picnic, rain/mud play, cake & ice cream, riding bikes, Kangaroo Jac’s, and staying up as late as you can. Which was 10pm, when I read them a story and they both fell asleep before I finished! [That’s a happy day!]
[our self portrait–can you tell I’m holding my camera in front of us?!]
Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy! I lub ooo!