Today, my firstborn child is FIVE.
I can’t believe it.
He goes to school.
He can write his name.
He can read most 3-4 letter words.
He can do math (as long as the numbers fit within his fingers).
He can do cartwheels.
He can shoot a gun (airsoft).
He he can work an iPhone better than most adults.
Chance is brilliant.
I get teary just thinking about him being five. I have no idea how I’m gonna handle him getting older and going to college. One step at a time, I guess. Here’s a photo of him 3 days old. They didn’t allow him out of NICU till then, so here he is taking his hearing test at 3 days of age.
Dearest Chance…
I’m so thankful God put you in our family. We waited three years for you when doctors told you would never come. When God gave you to us, He told us to take very good care of you because you are His. When we first found out you were in my belly… I prayed 1 Samuel 1:27 & 28. I even painted it onto your wall in your nursery to remind myself:
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.”
I still pray this regularly for you and Paxton. And as I watch you grow up to be a man, like your Daddy, I am so proud of you and humbled that I get the privilege of experiencing you first hand.
You are an amazing son. You have a warrior spirit, ready to battle evil to protect all that is good… but your spirit is gentle and sensitive to your surroundings. I love how aware of life you are. I love every bit of you. Thank you for being such a good son to a Mommy who is trying her hardest.
I’m proud to be called your Mommy. I love all the conversations we have over just about everything. I hope that never ever stops. I will continue working to prove myself trustworthy with your thoughts and heart. I can’t wait to see what kind of man you will become when you’re grown… but till then… please take your time growing up. You crawling into my lap, snuggling me and whispering “I love you more than anything” are one of my favorite things.
My sweet Chance, I love you always and forever… no matter what. Thank you for the most amazing first five years.
Love,
Mommy
happy birthday chance! hope you liked the lil something something christian sent your way! =] enjoy your bday!
oh, he LOVED it.
btw… he got a new HERO with your birthday money.
This is a beautiful tribute to your wonderful son. What a wonderful boy he is. You and Brian are his training wings, as he learns to fly on his own. What strong, reliable shoulders to learn on.
Happy birthday, Chance!
thank your for your encouragement.
love you, friend.
Happy Birthday, Chance!
I LOVE THAT… why didn’t I think of doing something like that when my oldest turned five? Well there’s always this year – in November he turns six LOLOL I’lll steal this idea for him…
Seriously tho – WONDERFUL pics, WONDERFUL post… Happy Birthday, buddy… from all the way in Barbados!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it’s never too late to write and say your blessings to your children.
ohmygoodness he was an ADORABLE 3-day old! those cheeks!!!!
i know. couldn’t you just gobble him up? he was the most gorgeous baby. still is, in my opinion
btw… i miss you something fierce.
SO CUTE!!!! Happy happy 5, Chance!
Happy half a decade to little man Chance. That was a beautiful letter Jenni. Your son is a lucky little boy.
thank you, keda. he’s changed our lives for the better. i think we’re the lucky ones.
Urg. I need a baby fix. He is possible the cutest 3 day old EVER. Happy Birthday Chance!
oh, i know the feeling. i told brian today we need a baby stat! he looked at me like i was nuts.
ugh, he is SUCH a handsome kid. love him. happy birthday, chance!
Chance,
I will need to write a letter of my own to you but I will start with this. You are everything that your Mom has said about you. I am so proud of you in every way. I know that God has an amazing plan for your life and I can’t wait to see the impact you have. I am ok with you growing up because I like having a companion to play with. We are going to have a lot of fun do boy stuff together.
Happy 5th Birthday! Let’s go shoot something.
I love you, Chancie Pants!
YOU.are.the.BESTEST.mommy….
EVER.