Happy 12th Birthday, Tyler!

(Photo by SaltLight Photography)

My sweet "baby" boy is growing up, and while I wish time could slow down.....or maybe I could go back and revisit each year of his youth again....I wouldn't trade watching him grow up at all.

(Photo by Blunck's)

I never wanted a "Christmas" time birth.  It seemed way too busy.  It seemed like the birthday and Christmas would just jam together into one.  But after losing a baby due in December 2001, finding out that we were going to have a little one in December 2002 was there very best gift we could have asked for!

(Photo by Blunck's)

Our little blessing was due on December 12, but we induced on December 5th - the earliest possible day the doctor allowed.  It was further from Christmas, but had a special "number" reasoning for us, as well (I won't share because it doesn't matter and might confuse you!).  It also happened to be the birthday of our brother-in-law, who twelve years later is teaching Tyler (filling in for his own daughter-in-law who has a new little one).

(Photo by Blunck's)

I love this picture with this sweet little face.  Tyler had to be one of the very happiest little babies ever.  He made others happy just by his smile.  I always felt like he knew that he was in our lives for a special reason.  We tell him that he is, too. Without the loss we had, Tyler knows that he wouldn't be here.

(Photo by Blunck's)

Not that we would have chosen the loss, of course, but also realize that even in loss, blessings can come.  They do come.

(Photo by Blanca's)
Tyler is three in this picture.  It was the "Woody" era.  Woody of "Toy Story", that is!  When he would sing, "You've Got a Friend in Me", it was one of the cutest and funniest things he ever did!

(Photo by Blanca's)

Here he's five....and wanted to wear a suit and tie each Sunday - just like his daddy did.  He still wants to, but it's not often!

(Photo by Sabrina Johnson)
This is such a sweet shot of Tyler that Mrs. Johnson captured.  His "thoughtful" pose is just so much "him"!

(Photo by Sabrina Johnson)

And then the "classic" smile we love!

(Tyler's 4th birthday)

Tyler,

I am so thankful that God blessed us with YOU.  I know I probably say that every year, but it's absolutely true.  Your life, your health, your spirit - we're thankful to Him for it all.  And above all of that, we're thankful that you are one of His children.  We are proud of your example in Christ to others, and pray that you continue to grow in your spiritual walk.

You are, and have always been, such a thoughtful and insightful young man.  You've taught me lessons about life.  You will enjoy your "Chronicles of Biscuit" posts some day.  (Well, I'm pretty sure you will!)  You will learn about what kind of young boy you were....and what a FUNNY young boy you were!

I miss your "Chronicles of Biscuit" episodes! That was one of the major reasons I started this blog...to "chronicle" YOU.  There's no way any baby book could have held all of your stories! Too bad I waited a few years to start this because I missed out on some great material early on!

Next year you'll be a teenager and you and Jacob will be the only two at home.  What a change that's going to be!  You've grown up so much in this past year.  You've always been 1/2 daddy's boy and 1/2 momma's boy, but this year I felt the shift....just like it should be.  You're becoming a young man.  And that's just what we're raising you to do.  God is molding you in His Kingdom.  We look forward to seeing what He has planned for your life.  For sure we know you'll continue to shine your light and be a blessing to all who know you.  Thank you for that.

I love you,

MOM