December 15th: Happy Birthday Cody!

I can't believe it! My little man is five years old today. At 12:27 a.m. my first little baby boy was finally in my arms. It was a wonderful pregnancy, a smooth and relatively easy delivery, and for the most part, my recovery was pretty quick. He was an easy, laid back, contented baby. I remember many nights, nursing him, rocking him, and always singing to him. Twila Paris often played in the background, and so often I would listen to her music and just cry out of pure joy...I couldn't believe the miracle I was holding in my arms! As I look back on these last five years, I truly cherish them. Must be why I always cry on his birthday...

Since his birth, Cody has grown into a sweet, caring, compassionate, sensitive kid. He's an awesome big brother, a great son and a boy I am deeply proud of. This past year, he has grown quite a bit spiritually. He asked Jesus into his heart one night (not even with us by his side!) and he is learning to hide God's word in his heart. It's so amazing to think that he has come so far in five short years! He went from a totally dependent newborn baby, to a walking, talking, independent little boy. Wow! It went so fast!

When I was pregnant with Cody, I couldn't have imagined what kind of love I would feel for this little creature that was growing inside me. Everyone tried to tell me it was a phenomenal love between a parent and child, but I had to live it to believe it. Now that I have, I deeply appreciate the special connection I have with my boys. They are my joy, and I thank God every day that God gave them to me (on loan, of course!).

Cody, you have filled my heart with love, hope, and wonder. You have made the road a little easier to walk, my load a little lighter (on days when it felt so heavy to carry!), and you've given me unspeakable happiness by being your mommy. I thank God for you, sweetie, and I'm so proud of you. I love you, bud! Happy Birthday!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3