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.