Happy Birthday, Little man!

Okay, maybe you're not so little anymore. But you'll always be my little man. It blows my mind that you are 16 today! I remember it like it was yesterday and at the same time it seems like a lifetime ago. Where is that chubby little boy with the long curls that waddled when he walked? I have SO enjoyed beying your mother. Every move you made, everything you did, we were so awestruck. Still are. I dont think I fully comprehended what real love was until you were laid on my belly. All I ever wanted to do was make sure you had the best of everything, including the best of me. I know I fell short many a time but when I look at the young man you are fast becoming, I am so proud and I know that through God's grace and strength, something good came through me.

Like the song says, "You've got so much going for you, going right" but I know it's hard to see that right now. Know that God has big plans for you and we can't wait to watch them unfold. I am so proud of you, how smart you are (book smart AND common sense, what a combination and rare in today's teenager!), how you are not afraid to be yourself and follow your own interests and are not so caught up in high school that it clouds your judgment. I love that you still want to spend time with us. I love that you are not spoiled at all, that you think of others, that you are sensitive, that your yes is a yes and your no is a no, that you follow through with the plans you make and that you aren't afraid to try new things. I also love that you will do things you're not very comfortable with when it means something to someone else (like dance with Deb & Mia or pray out loud) I love that when you commit to something, you give it your all and push yourself to not only achieve your goals but to surpass them.

There is so much that I wish for you, that I pray will come to pass for you. But I know whatever details the future holds for you, sweet 16, it's going to be awesome. Because YOU are awesome.

Love,
Mommy