The Fastest 8 Years of My Life

I've attempted, over the years, through blogging and photographs, to preserve, savor, and relish in the moments of our quickly changing life, simple pleasures, and growing children. At times, I've kept up and there's so many times I've fallen behind, but I do try to keep up. And looking back on these memories, reminiscing, cherishing, and smiling, as big as my heart can smile, I am overwhelmed. As we quickly approach our oldest child's 8th birthday, I have found myself remembering. Remembering so many moments, big and small. Remembering what it was like to anticipate the arrival of our first born child, to imagine what he might be like and then to hold him in our arms, consumed by his beauty and the miracle that unfolded right before our eyes. And each one, each time we welcome a child into our life, it is/will be no less miraculous, it's amazing. It is a true reflection of God's love, a true representation of his grace. A baby, so naturally entering the world, so innocent and beautiful, literally filling our hearts with an endless love. And once they arrive, life happens. For that single moment, the world stands still and then all of a sudden, 8 years have come and gone. 8 years!! I can hardly believe it when I say that out loud.

We got out some little boy and girl clothes to sort through for our new little one, and it was as if I could see Grayson's very tiny self in each outfit, each pair of shoes, the diaper bag that toted all his baby things brought back so many beautiful memories. I could quickly spot the outfits he wore for pictures, or on his first Sunday to church. I could without hesitation see the activity that happened in each tiny outfit. How is it possible, how can it be that this tiny baby is now fully into boyhood? There's not a single hint of baby left, and I'm not sure I'm ready for him to keep growing. He was the best baby, he slept like a champ, loved food, and was pretty much the happiest boy ever! He made me a mother, he taught me and continues to each and every day how to embrace each season of motherhood. He is such a special kid, and amazingly enough, he's mine! He became a big brother at the young age of 19 months and has truly been an awesome one to each of his siblings. He's so beautifully embraced his leadership role and will be so sweet with our new little one this winter!

As he's grown, over the years, he's become his own person, so different from Chris and I, but completely ours nonetheless! He's smart and busy, witty and comical, dying to grow up yet maybe a little scared to do so. He loves deeply, he's strong willed, he's persistent and outspoken, he's full of faith and curiosity, and he can be quite challenging, and I love him for it!

He's tried many sports/activities over the years...soccer, basketball, baseball, cub scouts, piano...and now that he's getting older, he's pretty much picked his "thing". He loves piano, the challenge, the reward, he loves it! And he's recently become quite the biking/running enthusiast with his dad. He's going to continue playing piano and has asked that he can sign up for some 5K's and do some regular trail rides with Daddy. We have already found several races in the area and he is eagerly awaiting the opportunities! He's still big into science and cooking. He enjoys History as well, the other subjects he could take it or leave it. He does daily evaluations of how how long he has until he's an adult (eeek!), we have daily discussions on how many years before he drives, his future job, home, car, etc. He wants to grow up way too fast on me, and as much as I try to slow him, he just keeps right on. We have always said he's wise beyond his years, he pretty much is a 30 year old trapped in a 8 year old body. He was quick to grow up as a baby, first tooth at 3 months, first words at 6 months, first steps at 9, and hasn't slowed down since!

So, to my precious boy, who refuses to slow down, we wish the most amazing of birthdays and the happiest year yet. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, keep figuring out this big world, and making us proud. We love you more than we could ever say and so blessed to call you ours, you have taught us so much and we have so much more to learn together! So here's to the next 88! I love you, beautiful boy!