FIVE

April 11, 2004 (Easter Sunday)

Our Sweet Aaron was born, 2 hours and 48 minutes after my own birthday.

3 days old

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE--Where did the time go?

I sit here on Easter Sunday (home with the sick baby) on really the actual 5 year anniversary of Aaron's birth. He was born on a Sunday, Easter, which I think is pretty special. On the anniversary of God's son's resurrection, my first son took his first breath. He was the only one of our children born in St. Louis--a Cardinal by birth. We make a big deal about that!!! I sent him off this morning with his Prince Caspian sword attached, ready for battle. Don't worry his dad won't allow it to go past the car. But that is my boy, brave and ready to fight off the bad guys. I could probably get all upset about the fact that he loves to sword fight, but I don't because I know the heart of this boy is tender and loving and God will use that nature for His glory one day. He has everything it takes for a man after God's own heart, and I pray that for him everyday. Aaron is strong, like a rock. He will knock you over with his hugs, because he doesn't just hug, he hugs with his entire body. We have grown to love this, even though we usually walk away wounded in some way. When he smiles he lights up the entire room, but don't you dare tell him that, because any attention--good or bad--given his way is not well recieved. He hates to be the center of attention--a trait passed down on both sides. He is the only one I know who likes to make people laugh, but then gets mad at them for laughing. But that's our Aaron. He is loud, aggressive, competitive, rough--but sweet, forgiving, eager to please, and loyal. He will be that boy who gets out on a football field and tackles with all his might--but walks off worried if he hurt someone, and probably won't care about being the hero either. All reasons why I know the Lord will use our Easter baby in mighty ways. I have been praying for the Lord to reveal to me the gifts He has given my children--and as I write this, I see them even more clearly.

Aaron, I am proud to be your mom. I love your sweet heart and bulldozer hugs. I love the way you work hard on things, even though sometimes you get a bit frustrated. I love your sweet voice and hearing you sing while you play. I love the excitement in your beautiful, blue eyes at the simplest of things. I hush you way too much, and get impatient with you way too easy--for that I am sorry, I would never want to squelch the spirit within you that makes you Aaron. I pray you will always know who created you to be this wonderful boy and who will ultimately be your true strength. May your heart be undivided as you one day engage in the battle for His Kingdom and may you know the Lord to be BIG and MIGHTY and ALIVE!!! May He be forever glorified in you. I love you, sweet son.