Happy Birthday to my little Dude

This has been an utterly exhausting day, and tomorrow will be no easier.  But I can't say good night just yet, because something needs to be said:
Eight years ago, at this moment, I pushed, and I prayed, and I cried, and I did them all over again.  He was a challenge from even before he entered this world.  And then eight years ago, three hours from now, after an emergency trip to the OR, he showed up with a wail and a squirm, and brought with him a breathtaking joy that I feel even in this moment, exhausted and shaking with the day, but filled with hope and expectation: in a small way, just as I felt that night.  Dude, you wear me out, you fill me up, you make everything an adventure:  how I love you.  You are the light that shines in my weary world.  Happy Birthday.

Oh, and By the Way ...

On February 27th, I threw away my Christmas cards:  riddled with guilt, in the middle of the night.  So there it is.

Dipping my Toe In

I fell off the wagon in a big way.  I don't have a good excuse - and what's even more silly:  I've had a lot to say.  So, instead of trying to catch up for two months by writing the great American novel in the next week, I'm going to start small.  Tonight, a picture that I'll be expanding on later - this weekend, we Lit it up Blue at my House.  A little blue light in honor of my boy - light of my life.