Happy 5th Birthday, Luke!

It's hard to believe you're already 5 years old! It seems like such a short time ago that Mommy and I were eagerly anticipating your arrival. I would go to Mommy's Dr. appointments with her and listen to the magical sound of your little heart beating. We picked out clothes and toys for you. I talked and sang to you through Mommy's tummy and felt you kick. I assembled your crib. We bought a car that would be safe and practical (the Pilot). We thought about you constantly and prayed for you often. And then all of a sudden - you were here!

On the evening of February 26, 2013, Mommy and I went to check in to Memorial Hermann, Katy. I remember sleeping on the couch in Mommy's room and being woken up occasionally by nurses and doctors checking on her throughout the night. The next day - your birthday - family started to arrive. Nana and Papa drove down from Carrollton (where they lived at the time), as did Honey and Grandpa. Uncle Sean came too! They were so excited to meet you. 

Your birth is a little bit of a blur in my memory - I'm sure Mommy remembers more of the details. What I remember most is seeing your tiny body for the first time. You were kind of purple, but I could see your bright blonde hair! I remember hearing you cry for the first time as they weighed you on the scale. Then the nurses were cleaning you up and I said, 'It's OK, Luke.' You stopped crying right away, probably because you recognized my voice. After they cleaned you up they handed you back to Mommy and she held you close and sang 'Jesus Loves Me.' It was such a beautiful moment. 

After that, Mommy needed some attention because there were some complications. The nurses took you to the nursery, and I stayed with Mommy as the Dr. came back and attended to her post-partum hemorrhage. It was kind of scary for a minute there but God protected Mommy and gave her a wonderful Dr. who took good care of her. After I knew Mommy was OK, I left to go find you. I kept ringing the bell at the nursery but they weren't answering, and when they finally did, they were taking FOREVER to go get you. Emotionally exhausted, I finally told the nurses to bring you out RIGHT NOW. They rolled you out to me and I pushed you in your little bed back into Mommy's room. Then family came in and saw you for the first time. Everyone was so happy to meet you, Luke!

Son, you have been loved since before you were born. God loved you first, and he still loves you more than all of us! You bring such joy to our life, and I learn so much about life and myself through the experience of being your Daddy. I'm so glad God chose me to be your Dad. I'm so proud of you! Here are some things I notice about you at age 5: 

• You love trains, especially Thomas. 
• You can read! 
• You like animals (dolphins and elephants seem to be your favorite).
• You are getting interested in science, especially space and rockets.
• You are a sweet big brother to Nora and enjoy playing with her (though we're still working on sharing and being gentle!).
• You can write your name. 
• Your pre-school teachers love you, and you have lots of friends.
• You laugh a lot, and enjoy knock-knock jokes.
• You like to build things: train tracks, houses, train stations, etc. 
• You enjoy music and will spontaneously dance when a fun song comes on.
• You love numbers, patterns, and counting. 

I love you so much, Luke, and that will never change! I can't wait for the next 5 years.

Love,

Daddy

Glimpses of Your Heart

Dear Luke,

A few really encouraging and sweet things have happened this week in the context of some disobedience and discipline. I have been encouraged as God has shown me glimpses of His work in your heart.

On Valentines Day this week, you were making some poor choices throughout the afternoon and I was, perhaps more importantly, exhausted and not in a good mood. I felt ready to snap at all sorts of small things. When Daddy came home I went to pick up pizza and when I returned, I told you I was sorry I hadn't been more patient with you. You said that made you sad and when I asked why, you said, "because I was disobeying you and I didn't like that." I was so glad I had apologized to you because it opened the door for you to tell me how you were feeling and I was able to reassure you about how completely you were forgiven and loved.

Yesterday, you had a timeout in your room for jumping on the bed and encouraging Nora to do the same. The plan was to go outside in the backyard afterward and let you both play with your new bubble toys Daddy got you for Valentines Day. When the timer went off and timeout was done, you apologized and said you wanted to draw me a picture. You told me exactly what color markers you needed and had a detailed plan. You sat at the island coloring for quite awhile while Nora and I played outside with the bubbles. When you finished, you proudly showed me what you drew: a picture of me and a picture of you with numbers in all different colors. It's the first time you've drawn pictures of specific people (I'm the orange one and you're the blue one :). When I asked what gave you the idea, you said you were thinking about it during your timeout. It meant so much to me that after your disobedience and frustration passed, you wanted to draw a picture of us, instead of playing with your new bubbles, to show me that you love me. It's a keepsake for sure.

I love you!

Love,
Mommy