12 years ago...

12 years ago we did not have fancy birth announcements, battery operated swings, slings, co-sleepers, wipe warmers, sleep sacks, space saver high chairs, or johnny jumpers on the ground!!

We did have a brand new birthing center where I delivered my first son...I was the first to deliver in room 16 and actually stay in the room for the duration. 12 years ago I had no idea the love I could feel for someone else. I had no idea that my wants and needs where to be put on the back burner as I some how stumbled through teething, shots, diaper rashes, bumps and falls.

I had no idea that Barney would contiously play over and over on the one and only TV. I had no idea that when I would crawl in bed at night that Jeremy and I would sing the silly songs to each other as they had been embedded in our minds.

12 years ago I fell in love with my first born. My easiest child by far. Slept through the night at 4 weeks old...always had such a sweet, laid back personality.

Happy Birthday Matthew, I will never forget the day you where born. The way you confirmed in my soul that we have a God a wonderful heavenly father who loves us no matter what.

You are still my buddy. I will never forget how you would sneak in my bed when dad was working out of town and tell me that you would leave when dad came home but I would find you sleeping in front of my door. I will never forget how worms and ants needed to be kept in the house not outside because you thought it was to cold. I will never forget how you made 88.00 on a pop stand that dad built you. I will never forget how you where always naked.

I am so excited and so proud of the Young man you are becoming. Making appropriate choices and always helping out the neighbors. I am sad that 12 years has gone by and I have 7 years left to have you here with us. I am half way done till you leave for college ( I know you are reading this!) and it sucks.

Matthew, Dad and I could not have asked for a more responsible and loving son. Happy 12th Birthday Frederico, Machias....my son.

Matthew

Oh my sweet baby boy will be entering 6th grade this year!! I don't like it one bit! Where has the time gone? Are the days of bug catching gone? Trucks that lined my window sills or the matchbox cars in my bed...I know I have another little boy in the house but it won't be the same. Matthew has been developing into a very responsible young man who loves the Lord and it is amazing to watch. Of course we our still parenting and coaching...Brush your teeth, take a shower, do your chores and talking about all the fun " growing up" stuff. I want the days of cartoons in my bed, fly soup, little made up songs, cheesy smiles and lap cuddles back. There is a special place in my heart for all my children...however, nothing beats your first born child. The amazing love and admiration for another human is so profound.

So here comes the boy-girl parties and the curfews along with more " growing pains"..

Matthew, I know you will read this...I want to say that your father and me are SO very PROUD of you and the young man you re becoming. We are so excited that you love the Lord with all your heart. You mean the world to us and we could not ask for a better son. 6th grade will be full of fun and heartache. We will always be here for you! Love you forever. You are my favorite!

Side note: I tell all my kids in secret that they are my favorite. :)