Happy Birthday

Dear Connor,

I can hardly believe that you're about to turn 5. It seems like just yesterday you entered this world. I remember almost every moment of that day...you took us all by surprise. You arrived a couple weeks early and came in just moments, instead of the hours and hours we'd been anticipating. We loved you the moment we saw you (actually, that's not true...we loved you the minute you were created). You daddy and I were awestruck at your arrival. We just kept looking at you....your big eyes, your cute little lips, your hair..it was this kinky, curly craziness at first. (We were honestly concerned.)

Ever since that day, you have changed our lives. You have brought more joy, more love, more laughs, more tears...more everything than we ever knew were possible. No two days are ever the same with you. As a matter of fact, sometimes we're not sure what the next moment will bring. You are smart and strong, funny and fearless, kind and a bit controlling. I am so proud to be your mommy.

You are a big talker and are always sharing exactly what's on your mind. We joke that there are no secrets in our house because you'll share whatever you hear with everyone else! You're also known for saying some of the darndest things. I like to call them Connorisms. Like the time the ladies in the church nursery asked you your daddy's name. You responded "Honey...that's what my mommy calls him!" (Good thing I don't call your daddy anything more colorful) Or the time you told them that daddy "washed your crack" because it "reeked". I've tried to keep track of some of your best statements, but I'd need volumes to save them all.

There are a few things that you absolutely do not like...for example, switching to short sleeves and shorts in the spring is always a challenge...sharing your toys with your brothers can be tough (as a matter of fact, you like to carry your favorite toys around with you in a bag just to make sure you know where they are)...you don't like change and you absoluely can't stand losing. You are a fierce competitor!

God has blessed you with an amazing heart. You are so kind and thoughtful. You are quick to point out that you like daddy's shoes or mommy's shirt or that someone smells good. I especially like it when he say that Jackson is your best friend...or that Mitchell is a cutie pie. You have an incredible capacity to care about others.

Jackson, Sawyer, and Mitchell are so forunate to have you as a big brother. I don't think you remember a time when it was only you. You have adapted so well our growing family. I know it's not always easy... and your sharing and patience skills are put to the test, but with each day you are getting better.

The other day you asked me what would happen when you got big...where would we all sleep? I didn't quite understand and told you not to worry. You were concerned about there being enough room for all of us. So, you told me you were going to pray to God not to grow up, that you like being little, liked living with Mommy and Daddy and Jackson and Sawyer and Mitchell....you wanted things to stay just the way they are now.

Oh, my dear Connor. There are so many times I want the exact same thing. I want to freeze this moment in time....yet I know I can't ...I know there is more, better yet to come.

My dear Connor, I pray for you every moment of every day. Your daddy and I heard a speaker at church one time say that most parents wish their children would be happy. Happiness is find he said, but he wished parents would want their children to be good...good people with good character.

Connor, I pray that you will grow to be good. I pray you will grow to an honorable man, with the same caring heart you have today. I pray that God will bless you abundantly. I pray that we will be good parents and lead you down the right paths. I pray you will find fulfillment and joy in every day. Most of all, I pray that you will always know how very, very much you are loved...you and your brothers are the greatest joy in my life.

I love you with my whole heart.

Love,
Mommy