Four years ago.  Huge tummy…lots of kicks.  April 25, 2005.  6:34 p.m.  Baby on board.  Holding, burping, rocking, smiling.   Those first few years flew by.  Learning something new, making a new face, saying a new word, laughing.  Army crawl, walking, running.  First ice cream cone.  Hugs, kisses, “bites.”  Taking mental snapshots while you play or help daddy work around the house in your bike helmet.  You say you have strong muscles.  You do.  You really can fly around the house in your lighting bolt cape.  You always come home with a car full of the groceries you just bought off of your “list.”  The “tippy toe” dance one more time.  Sing that…again.  Making a cake in the bathtub is a snap.  Black rimmed glasses as you work.  Your attention to detail is stunning.  The thought process, the correlations.  I’m speechless and amazed.  Guitar playing with daddy.  A quiet peek before bed.  Blonde haired boy in the dim glow of the nightlight.  I remember…my treasure.  I kiss your warm forehead giving thanks to God for such an unbelievable gift.  Creativity and unquestionable gifts and talents. Blue eyes filled to the brim with innocence.  Quiet moments…talking…reading.  You “reading” to me.  I swallow hard to soften the lump in my throat.  “Mommy, I love you.”  Small arms, long legs wrapped around me in a bear hug.  Huge smiles watching you climb that tree for the first time and hearing you shout, “Mom!  Look at me!”

Four years have gone by since I saw your little face for the very first time.  I’ve watched that precious face mature and change.  But your eyes…your smile…those haven’t changed.  Your eyes smile.  Right cheeked dimple makes an appearance.  A loving big brother.  An entertainer.  A helper.  Full of life.  I’m honored.  Thankful.  Blessed.

I love you more than these words I’m typing could ever convey.  You are my beloved treasure…forever.

Happy 4th Birthday, Evan.  May all your dreams come true!