Happy Birthday Sweet Caden!!!

Eight years ago I was just starting to push. Eight years ago I could only dream of what God had in store. Eight years ago I could not wait to get my hands on you. To see your face. To hold you in my arms. To finally meet you.

You, my sweet boy, made me a mom. You, my sweet boy, changed my world. You, my sweet boy, have taught me so much more than I could ever have imagined. You, my sweet boy, captured my heart from your very first breath...

Caden, I cannot believe that you are 8 years old. How in the world has time gone that quickly? It seems like only yesterday I was figuring out that you loved to sleep in your bed, not my arms. I was learning that you were serious and content to be on your own. I was thrilled as you tried new foods and loved most everything. I glowed as I watched you turn 1.

Caden, there are no words to describe how much I love you. When you claim to love me more than I love you, you have no idea that your love cannot even come close. You are tender. You are caring. You wear your heart on your sleeve. You get angry when you feel you are not heard. You are just like me.

It's crazy to watch you be 8. You love playing with your friends. You love playing video games and just the other night you told me, "I don't know why, but for some reason I'm just really into Pokemon right now." You love your trading cards - both Pokemon and Bakugon. You LOVE to read and will read whatever you can get your hands on. You like to write books too! I love to read your papers as you bring them home from school. From Turkeys to dragons, your stories never fail to entertain. You light up as you share your stories with me. You are serious and you are funny...

You are a fantastic big brother. And you LOVE LOVE LOVE your Dad. You always have. When you were a baby, Daddy would come home, scoop you up in his arms and you guys would go nap in the hammock while Mommy got a little break. There is a bond between you like nothing else. I love to watch the two of you together.

Yesterday, you asked me if we had any pancake mix that I could have. You wanted to make sure that everything we ate today was wheat free just so I could enjoy your birthday too. I pray that you will always be so considerate of everyone. I pray that your heart will always stay so sweet. So tender.

I'm so thankful that you still love to hold my hand. That you still allow me to snuggle you. I cherish each moment. I know that they won't last.

I'm so thankful that God chose me to be your mom. I'm so thankful that you love Jesus too! I love that you asked for your very own Bible for your birthday. I can't wait to see your eyes light up when you open it!

Lord, thank you for this boy. Thank you for making me a mom. Thank you for letting me know that the best was yet to come. Thank you for so many smiles and snuggles. For giggles. For stories. For hands to hold. Thank you for trusting us with this sweet boy. I pray for guidance as he grows. I pray that you will continue to guide him in life. To help him make good decisions and to turn to you as he gets older and older. Thank you Lord!

And Happy Birthday Caden!!