Our Little Man

I couldn't help myself at being a bit sentimental today every time I looked at Li'l B. Today is his last day as a 4 year old...and he knows it. He is over the moon excited to be turning 5!  :-) As I watch his excitement, I just can't believe how quickly the time has flown since that little 9 lb bundle was placed in my arms, and I began the journey of motherhood. I can't believe that sweet little baby boy has moved from bassinets and exersaucers to riding a two-wheel bike and learning to skateboard.

Time is such a peculiar thing - that somehow it can make me feel as though our son has always been in our lives and hearts while at the same time making me feel that it was just yesterday that I caught my first glimpse of his sweet face.

Being Brandon's mom has taught me incredibly more than I could ever have imagined I needed to learn. I have to be honest that going into parenthood, I thought I had a lot of the answers. In theory, it seemed so easy. You discipline, they obey. You lead, they follow. You train, they fall in line. :-) It didn't take long for me to realize that parenting is not nearly that black-and-white, and while there are certain principles to follow, many areas of parenting instead fall into many shades of gray. It didn't take me long to realize that parenting takes every ounce of energy, wisdom, and strength I can muster ... and then some. And it certainly didn't take me long to realize that only God can take my efforts and cover them with grace to make them effective.

Being Brandon's mom opened my heart to loving in a way I had never before experienced, as though my heart magically grew and took shape outside of my body. I love every ounce of that kid, and have ever since I laid eyes on him. Brandon is a big ball of energy, a kid with spirit, a boy with strength and a vivid imagination. He keeps me on my toes, he makes me laugh often, and he keeps life very interesting. He's also extremely tender hearted and loving, and has often touched my heart with his gentleness. He has so much potential.

I hope I never forget how much fun he is right now. How he starts almost every conversation with, "Mom, can I tell you something?" :-) How he tries to fill in for Daddy whenever Daddy is away - like today when I came into my room to find him struggling to make my bed "so that I wouldn't have to." :-) How he's learning to make jokes, knows when he's funny, and gives me that mischievous grin accompanied by a giggle whenever he's being goofy. How he loves his siblings and wants "at least 3 more babies in our family." (haha!) How he's starting to ask difficult questions like, "What is my soul? What does it mean that our spirit goes to Heaven when we die? How do you know God is talking to you?" How fun it is to watch him learning to read. How even though he's my "big" boy, he still asks me to hold him and cuddle with him before he goes to sleep.

I am so incredibly thankful that 5 years ago tonight, I was preparing to meet my first born son for the first time. While he can't wait to open a gift or two tomorrow, having that child entrusted to me was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. I love you, Brandon! Happy 5th birthday, little man!

I Timothy 6:11-12

¹¹ But you, Brandon Robert, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.