Happy 11th Birthday Will!

Eleven years ago today, at exactly 4:56 in the AM, I became a mom.

I learned that having an OB you trust is a must.  Having a man you love stand beside you with tears in his eyes as the rooms yells out, “It’s a boy!” overflows your heart with gratitude.  And, realizing that God just entrusted you with a precious gift is humbling.

Will, you really are the best biggest brother around.  Your helpful attitude (most of the time), your ability to keep things running when I have my hands full and your love of entertaining Luke makes me very proud.  You relish in the role of “big brother” and you’re going to make a wife or a parish very proud one day.

You have this great laugh, it’s sort of a giggle, and I love it when you really get tickled.

You are an elephant.  You never forget anything, especially when it’s related to college sports, Wii privileges, food or things I told you I’d buy you.  Interesting, though, because I often have to remind you to change your underwear and help you find your homework.

You always think the best of people.  God gave you a sensitive heart and a keen awareness for other people’s feelings.  While it sometimes means there is major drama, typically if a certain sister is involved, I can appreciate that your heart really is in the right place darn near 100% of the time.

You have an affinity for the poor, the helpless, the elderly and the sick.  I have no doubt that is your father’s influence.  He has the same heart.

You are a perfectionist like your momma.  You have high expectations for yourself and others and it guides everything you do.  There is great pride in your schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

You are a faithful, loving friend.  Sometimes I think of you as our kind-hearted guard dog.  You may beat the dog out of your sisters, but if someone outside the family says something cross to them, LOOK OUT.

You hate taking out the trash.  You are ridiculously good at chess, so much so that even Dad has to enlist help to beat you.  Candy is your vice.  You are a crazy good speller and you love to read.  With as much as you talk about architecture, it’s possible you could be the next Frank Lloyd Wright.  You have a closet full of clothes, but you really only wear three t-shirts:  A&M, A&M and the Colts.

As you enter this next decade, there will be many milestones:  the teenage years, a driver’s license, high school, college admission and perhaps a girlfriend or two.  Above all, though, my greatest prayer is you do it all with great faith.  God has amazing plans for you and I hope you achieve every single one of them.

I am so proud to be your momma.  Happy birthday sweetheart!