Happy Birthday, James!

(Ryan took this picture of our sweet boy.)

Our precious first child turns four this weekend, and I really can’t believe it!  Over the past year, he transformed from a toddler into a boy who is growing constantly before my very eyes.  I look at him when he’s sleeping, and I still catch a glimpse of that tiny baby who forever changed my life, our lives, in 2008, and I’m so grateful to know him.  James is stubborn and strong-willed, but he’s quiet and intelligent, too, and despite our typical three-year-old battles, he still runs to me when he’s hurt, asks for hugs when he is sad, and lets me tuck him in at night.

Most nights, I still sing his song to him, James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James,” and now, my James knows all the words and sings it with me.  Sometimes, he asks me to sing something else instead, and that’s okay.  He’s growing up and away from me, and I know I have to accept that.  One day, he won’t need me to tuck him in at all, so I treasure the time I have with him right now.

I love you so much, sweet boy.  Have a wonderful birthday!