Birthday Boy!

Tomorrow is my oldest son, Gabriel’s birthday. Just writing those words make me tear up and I don’t know why! Lol. It’s not like he’s 16 and learning to drive, or 18 and graduating high school. He’s just going to be 4! Still, each year I have an emotional time coming to terms with the fact that my boys are growing up (I will probably be a wreck when they DO turn 18 at this pace!). I am just so proud of them, and each day it seems like they are individually growing leaps and bounds and learning SO much. Gabriel is thriving in preschool and today I spied on him through the window of his classroom. It was like I got a glimpse of my baby, growing up before my very eyes! With his birthday approaching I backtrack to when I was pregnant (as most parents do, I imagine) and the excitement as we tried to guess his gender. We opted not to find out if he would be a boy or girl, but towards the end, I think Jim and I both had a strong conviction that he would be our first son. I will always remember the moment the doctor said “It’s a BOY” and I was able to meet my Gabriel for the first time. Anyway, I guess today is just kind of a day of reflection and appreciation of Gabe, and all that he’s accomplished in his 4 little years. I think gong to St. Jude Children’s Hospital forever changed my view on life, and what it means to have a healthy child. That might be where some of the tears are coming from, just feeling really grateful I guess. Tomorrow we are having family over and that will be such a blessing. We’ve never lived close to relatives and I am just giddy at the thought we can share this special day together. We are doing an Army theme and tonight we are getting his present (a Leapster…shhh). I better, run, lots to do before the big day! Plus I need another tissue!