My Boy

I don't usually like to do these "blogs to your kid" things, but I'll make another exception for Caleb today. (The other exception was for Carly's birthday).

Dear Caleb,

Oh, what a joy you are to me! Today is your 4th birthday and I couldn't be prouder to be your mommy. It really was just yesterday when you looked like this:



and your hands were so tiny it made my finger look gigantic. Oh how you've grown. It makes me sad to think about how quickly the last 4 years have gone by, but excited at the same time to see what a wonderful little boy you are becoming. You are definitely not a baby anymore!



You have a sensitive heart, and that makes me proud, and also keeps me on my toes to remember that you are always watching me, and what I do and say goes straight into your mental files. The things you say and do make you look like such a big kid. I hate it! I love it too! You'll find out someday that mommies are weird, we cry all the time about our kids and it's happy tears at the same time as sad tears. Some days I look at you and feel my heart about to burst in my chest with pride for how smart, grown-up, good-looking (like your daddy!) and sweet you are. I love to watch you guide your little sister and help her learn to do new things. I love how you *mostly* include her when you play. I love how you *almost always* try to be a good example for her. You are the best big brother!



I pray that you would keep growing up big and strong, and eating your carrots, so that you can be a great man of God someday. I pray that the Lord is preparing you to be a godly husband and father, and I pray that your future wife will grow up strong and godly. I pray for your sweet heart and gentle spirit to be protected and nurtured by all those you come in contact with. And I am selfishly praying for God to slow time down so I can enjoy these days for longer. Most of all I pray that God works in your heart so that you will come to know him in a personal way, and can be a shining light for Him to others.