Dear Easton

Hey handsome boy,

Two years ago today you changed our lives in the best possible way. How could we have known before your arrival that we were missing anything? And yet, as soon as you came, we were more complete than we had ever been. One look at your beautiful blue eyes and big 'ole honkin' feet and we were smitten. Somehow, in His perfect way, God had created you for our family and us for your parents long before the beginning of time and in those seconds after you were born every single thing clicked.

April 4th will never again be just another date on the calendar. It belongs to you and to us as we celebrate you. I will always stop and remember the pain and the pushes and the tears. I will always look at the clock and know that at 1:10 pm you came into this world. I will always cherish your first cries and how I held you so tightly and kissed your precious cheeks. I'll remember how we laughed when we heard that you were an 8lb 10 oz bundle of all boyness. I'll remember the first special moments we had as a family of four. I will remember it always.

The past two years have been harder and yet better than we could have ever imagined. We have a great responsibility as your parents to teach you and train you and love you and show you God's love and some days it feels absolutely impossible to be everything you need. But, we have given you to God and we pray daily that no matter how many things we get wrong as parents, He will use us and it all for His glory.

I pray Micah 6:8 over you, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." We pray with urgent hearts for you to love the Lord, Easton. We pray that you will know His great redemption and grace and love. And we pray that you will walk humbly with him all the days of your life.

You are the sweetest little boy I have ever known. I won't lie, I was totally nervous to be a boy mom. I had no idea what it would be like to have a little man-child running around. I knew princesses and tea parties not tractors and trucks...but, you brought so much more than a little extra testosterone to my life, you brought one of the greatest connections I've ever had. When people say there is something special about the love between a boy and his mama, it's true. It's not better or worse than a mama daughter relationship (cause you know I love that one too), but I sure wouldn't trade having ours for the world.

I absolutely cherish the fact that you are still a little cuddle bug. When you wake in the morning and after naps you still need mama to hold you or, "keee me" (carry me). You get worried when others are sad or crying and want to know what is wrong. I hope that means you will grow into a great protector of the weak and innocent.

You love your big sissy so much. Lately, you've started copying everything she does and says. I love watching the two of you pray together. She prays and with my eyes squinted I watch you bow your head and clasp your hands and repeat words from her prayer quietly. It melts my heart and I can only imagine the huge smile it puts on God's face.

I love watching the two of you play nicely together....for the most part you have this down, although some days are better than others! One of your new favorite words is "mine!" so you can imagine how well that goes over with sister. You are both at an age where you can get lost in your own little imaginary world together and I feel like I have the best seat in the world.

I know you know that she loves you. But, do you know that she will be your biggest fan? Maybe you don't yet, but I know what its like to have siblings. You guys will irritate each other and bother each other and yet you will always have each other's back. She will be someone you can always count on. You have a special life-long best friend in her Easton. You are so blessed to have each other. I pray for your sweet friendship and relationship always.

You are such a huge part of our family, little man. We love you more than we ever knew possible. We are thankful for the life and energy and fun you bring to our home! We've laughed more (and had more sleepless nights) than ever since you came around. You are the absolute perfect addition to our family.

Today, I look back with some tears. I wonder how two years has passed. I wonder where my baby went. He's been replaced by a very talkative and increasingly independent little boy. I remember late night feedings and learning to crawl and firsts of every kind and the back of my throat tightens and my eyes burn for the days that are behind us. But, then I think about the days (Lord willing the many, many, many days) we have ahead of us and I can't help but smile. I'm so glad that God made me your mama, Easton. I look forward to the days ahead with you and your sister. Let's make them count!

I love you to the moon and back fourteen million times.

Mama