Yesterday, my baby boy turned 5. Five. Like, F-I-V-E. My heart can barely contain it.
One of the greatest things I have done for my children, which is an idea I borrowed from their Grandma Lori, is keep a journal for them. Starting approximately 1 week before they were born, and (hopefully) continuing until they are adults, I have recorded their most memorable moments. From what it felt like waiting to meet them, to losing their first teeth (hey, they're only 6 and 5...FIVE, y'all), it's all there. I have so few, tangible keepsakes from my childhood, that I wanted to be sure I had something to pass on to my own, filled with memories, laughter, surprises, and love, that they could treasure for years to come.
In honor of my sweet Christopher's birthday, here are 2 excerpts from his journal:
Feb. 8, 2009
Christopher Josiah,
We are only 1 week away from your due date, and I think you are more than ready to come out! You wiggle and kick inside my tummy all the time-especially at night when I try to sleep. :) I love to feel you move around inside me; I even lay on my back with my shirt up and watch my tummy change shapes with each little motion. :) We are so excited about meeting you in just a few days. I am crossing my fingers and praying that you look, at least a little, like me. I am waiting in anticipation. :)
2 days after his birth....
2/13/09
Baby Christopher,
We are so happy that you are here! The past three days have been so wonderful watching our new addition wiggle and squirm into our lives. :) You are such a sweet baby! You only cry when we change your diaper but as soon as your Daddy or I snuggle you close, all your cries subside. You love to snuggle, and I am so glad, because I do, too! :) Of course, you spend most of the time eating and sleeping, but when you open your eyes, your Daddy and I get so excited! :) You are a beautiful addition to our new family, and we are so blessed to have such a sweet little boy. Welcome to our family, Christopher Josiah. We love you! :)
Today, that precious, wiggly baby is a happy, vibrant, extremely brilliant 5 year old. He loves to read books, play games, go "expluh-wing," and have sword fights. Christopher knows all his colors, shapes, numbers, can write his name (yes, all, ridiculously long, 11 letters of it) and remembers every word, event, song, TV show, in great detail. He is happiest when he "pulverizes" his Daddy, during their nightly wrestling matches, when he jumps on the trampoline with his sister, and...you guessed it.....when he gets snuggles from his Mommy. Christopher is compassion in little boy form, wrapped in freckled skin and wavy, blonde hair, always kind and considerate of others.
In 2009, when Christopher Josiah became a part of our family, we never could have imagined the blessings he would bring along with him. What a treasure he is.
Reading Christopher's journal, on this momentous occasion, I am transported back to the day I first laid eyes on my precious Snuggle Bug. The first glimpse of strawberry-blonde hair. The first sound of his tiny, baby cries. The first time I breathed in his sweet, baby scent, and looked into his blue, blue eyes. I had waited with great anticipation, and all my expectations were far exceeded. As they continue to be with each new memory we have made, since February 11, 2009. As I'm sure they will as we go forth into year 5...FIVE, y'all!
I encourage those of you who have children to start journaling for them. Whatever age they are, take a few minutes to pass on your thoughts, feelings, and hopes for them and their future. Right now. Today. No matter their age. No matter your confidence level. And take some time to look back through the years. Take some time to remember. Take some time to hope for the future.
(Even if you'd rather freeze time and not let them get any older, bigger, more grown up. Five is just too big and grown up for this Mommy to handle!)
Happy Birthday, Precious Christopher! There is LOVE in my heart for you! ;)
