Happy Birthday Jonah!

I can just see myself four years ago. You know how it goes... before your first baby you do everything you can to prepare. You buy baby clothes. You read "American Baby" and other parenting magazines and makes lists of "necessities" for your new baby.. and then you go buy too much of that stuff. You make lists of names. You get the crib set up and the car seat ready. You attend the prenatal class offered at your local hospital. You pack your bags for the hospital. You feel some relief, knowing that you are prepared for this baby.

Then it happens... you give birth and realize that NOTHING could have prepared you for this.

You are no longer just a woman, you are a mother. All of the sudden your heart expands and life changes forever. You are wrapped up in your little one and the wonder of watching him grow.

Then before you know it, he is no longer a baby or even a pudgy toddler. All of the sudden he is a boy. I can't believe that my baby is going to be four years old at the end of this week! Isn't he a handsome little man?

Thank you Jonah for being my first baby. Thank you for being so patient with me as I learned what being a mother is really all about. Thank you for sharing all your smiles, cuddles, giggles, tickles, hugs, questions, silliness and your love with me. I love you so!

Happy Birthday Bubby!