Happy Birthday, Zachary!

My Sweet Zachary,

It really seems like it can't possibly be five years already since the doctors put my first brand new baby into my arms! You cried right off the bat, but calmed down pretty quickly.  You were the only one of the three to not scream for the first couple hours of your life.  While you challenged us as brand new parents, we were quick to realize just how easy we had it with you!  You slept through the night at six weeks, smiled at just about everyone, and loved your momma!  Watching you grow over the past five years is a mixture of trials and major accomplishments.  This past year for you has been a pretty monumental one.  We moved back to Texas, you started a new school, you got a brand new baby sister - becoming a big brother yet again, we moved into a house, and you came face to face with the reality of death.  That sure is quite a lot for a young little boy to go through in twelve months.  I won't lie and say it was all smiles and sunshine.  We have definitely had our challenges this year.  But more than any other year so far, I have seen you grow and mature!  You have outgrown several of your stubborn ways and have learned how to gain self-control.  You really do want to follow the rules, and at some point this year, something clicked in your head, and tantrums, bathroom issues, and defiance became an occasional occurrence instead of the norm.  You have become self-aware and can see your actions more clearly.  I have loved seeing your heart in this, knowing that deep down, you want to obey.  That stinky sinful nature in you just gets in the way sometimes.  But seeing your love for Jesus, and desire to know more about our great God is something I will always

treasure.  When your Nana died, we had to have many conversations about death, what happens, and what it means.  While it is always hard for a Momma to discuss dying with their babies, I am grateful for the heart God has given you to be joyful in reuniting with our creator, and growing from being "shy to God" to excited to meet Him on the day He has chosen for you to go.  You feel deeply, son, and that is definitely your strength.  You know how to encourage and lend a helping hand.  You still ask for morning hugs and kisses in the morning, and want me to hold you when you get tired.  I love your tenderness, and pray that God uses that for His glory for many years to come. 

Zachary, you make your Daddy and I so very proud.  Keep asking questions, keep learning, keep loving.  Thank you for being such a great big brother to Chris and Emily.  They look up to you and you are doing a fine job of setting an example for them.  I love you with all my heart!

Love,
Mom