Happy #8, Jacob!

Jacob,

Wow!

How are you already 8 years old?

I am impressed with the tall, mature looking boy you have become this year. Your 4'7" frame is deceiving. You look older than your 8 years.

This year you have faced and overcome many challenges and have learned how to persevere and adapt. You have taught me how to be a better mother this year. You have shown me that no matter how busy life gets, spending one on one time with you and your brother will always be my priority.

You continue to be such a blessing to our lives. Your genuine passion for your interests make me smile. You are definitely a zealot like your mother. I enjoy listening to you announce the "WWF legends" as you stand on the fireplace as if you are on a stage. You are beyond excited for the newest WWE 2014 video game being released in a few weeks.

I never know what song you will be singing, but I can guarantee it is most likely a Michael Jackson hit. You have more lyrics memorized at 8 then I will ever have in all of my years.

Perhaps my absolute favorite thing about you is the joyous expression and excitement that comes on your face when you talk about your birthday. Every year since your 2nd birthday you get so happy as your birthday nears. Earlier this week when I told you it was October you squealed. I hope you will continue to love celebrating your birthday each year.

When I start to feel sorry for myself, and I hate to admit it happens more often than not, I look at you. Every single day you venture into a world that is overwhelming. You overcome challenges on a daily basis the rest of us don't understand. Despite these daily obstacles you reach any goal you set your mind to.

Jacob, I love you to the moon and back. I am committed to be the best mother I can be for you. I promise I will always support you and walk beside you (hopefully you will still let me hold your hand).

Happy 8th birthday, Red.

We love you!

Mom, Dad and Lucas

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lucas!

Dear Lucas,

It is January 11, 2013 and today you turn two years old. The minute you took your first breath, you have changed our lives. The loud scream you made filled the room as you made your presence known. From that second forward you have continued to make sure everyone knows you are in the room.

You have the friendliest personality and you own every room you enter. You carry yourself with such confidence I know that you will do anything you put your mind to. I love how you seem to be the “Norm” (Cheers reference) of your daycare. As soon as you enter the room a chorus of “Lucas!” sounds from the teachers. You are proud to show off the toy you snuck in or the character on your shirt that day. You greet the other children with “Mornin’ Kids” and you make sure to tell everyone “Bye!” before leaving every day.

You are a true leader as you boss us around all the time at home. I can’t speak to your brother without you repeating me, “No, Kakob, No!” or “Kakob down‘tares (Jacob, downstairs).” You even tell me to go upstairs when you are ready to go to bed or take a “bub bate (bubble bath).”

Perhaps my favorite cuteness you exhibit is when you do “roll call” as you announce everyone in the room. You also like to talk about your friends at daycare and list all their names, always beginning with the girls’ names. You are quite the ladies’ man.

I find your desire to help so endearing. You like to help with the laundry by pulling everything out of the dryer. You will clean up your toys, but we know you are still just a two year old as you enjoy dumping all the toys as well. You love to be praised and feel like you are helping. You will hand Jacob his toys even if he doesn’t want them and hand out tissues to everyone in the room. You want everyone to be happy and worry if someone appears not to be.

You like to give hugs and be tickled, but you still are not a cuddler. You are too busy to be bothered with snuggles. I hope I never forget the sound of your sweet voice yelling for “Momma.”

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is definitely your favorite TV show and toys to play with. We all have the theme song stuck in our heads most every day. You will carry around your Mickey Mouse toys and make sure we tell you their names. You enjoy Elmo as well, but Mickey has surpassed the Sesame Street gang, hence the theme for your birthday party being Mickey Mouse and friends!

I pray you will always be as happy and joyful as you are at two years old. I hope your compassion and caring nature will never be suppressed. I desire to be the mother you need to help you grow into the great leader and man I know you will be one day. Your future is so bright; I can’t wait to see what is to come for you.

We love you to the moon and back, Little Man. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Jacob