Happy 4th Birthday, Joshua Alden!

this little boy came into the world like so few do...born ON his due date (not very common), labor started with my water breaking (not very common), and was born 3 hours later with hardly any pain. his 2 sisters made a much harder entrance into the world...and their births really do show their personalities in a way. the girls are so much more high-maintenance than this little boy.

i remember having him home the first 2 weeks and just staring at him and thinking, "THIS is what people were talking about when they talk about 'sweet newborns'" Rebekah didn't show me that "sweetness" for a moment. he would actually sit in the swing and NOT CRY! he would sleep for more than 15 minutes. he was such an easy baby. and he's continued to be such a laid-back, truly SWEET boy.

he has a very sensitive heart. and with 2 sisters, one of my biggest prayers is that we can shape him into the man God intends him to be. i definitely went through a time after having him of being terrified...how do i raise a MAN!? it seemed way more responsibility than the girls. i've given that over to God.

this little boy has the best smile, the BEST laugh, the sweetest hugs and the biggest heart. just yesterday, he spent all afternoon (he could tell i didn't feel good) asking me how he could be "my biggest helper." he went from cleaning up toys - including the ones bailey got out - to helping me with most of dinner.

he has finally started to exert his opinion some this year. sometimes taking me by complete surprise. and sometimes requires discipline for it. but, i admit, there is a part inside me silently cheering, "yes, you go, Joshua! don't let ___ do that to you!"

it has been such a joy to watch him understand the Bible and God and God's ways in a whole new light this year. his questions are priceless (as you all know) and i love the simplicity of his faith.

this little boy is a joy to have around me all day long.

i am so thankful for every moment God has given us with him. i pray that he will continue to seek after God, that he will strive to understand His ways, that he will love others with such tenderness, and that i would be a mom that would cultivate who HE is and not try to make him who I want him to be.

“A little boy is the only thing God can use to make a man.”
–Unknown

happy birthday, my sweet boy, i love you.