In the Blink of An Eye...

My sweet little boy Owen is eight years old in just two days - on February 6.

Dad has always been his best friend.

Eight years that flew by so fast in the blink of an eye; eight wonderful, exciting, enlightening years.

You were our miracle baby - told we'd never have children and then you showed on the ultrasound.

About 9 months old.

You were a frustrating toddler.  Always into something, and always so artistic.  From the curtains you cut up with pinking shears, to the leather furniture you decorated in white-out, to the pirate map you drew on the clothing pattern instructions with the black sharpie marker that bled permanently to the table.  

And you've always been a gymnast - long before you hit the trampoline.  How many times have I caught you nimbly walking on top of the monkey bars instead of simply swinging below?

Myrtle Beach 2008.

There is no better big brother than you.  You've helped Abby learn to read and you always tell her she's the prettiest girl.  You sing to Kellen and kiss the top of his head and make googly eyes at him to make him laugh.

Legos are your current vice.  I am so proud of all that you've built --- by written instruction as well as those you've created out of your own imagination.  I am curious to know what will be on your next to-do list.

The current projects.

Hard at work...

You are pig-headed, stubborn, and you question everything - all three traits that are horribly infuriating now but will be character strengths you'll possess as an adult.  You are loving, kind, generous, smart and funny.  You tell everyone your Dad is your best friend.  You love peanut butter sandwiches and yogurt, but sometimes you surprise me and you try new foods like humus or pomegranate seeds.  Right now you'll still snuggle with me on the couch and you like tuck-in songs before you go to bed.  You still call me "Mommy" every now and then, but it seems that with each passing day you call me just "Mom" more often than not.

I may call you 'big man' now, but that's really only because there's a new 'little man' in the house.  But no matter what, you will always be my precious baby.

Happy Birthday, Owen.  We love you so very much!