Asher-Boy

Asher-Boy,

You, son, are a delight. An absolute blessing to my life. Every day, you bring light and laughter to my heart. Today, on your birthday, I want to take a written "snapshot" of all my favorite things about you (there are a lot!) so that I can look back in the years to come and remember you exactly as you were. So, here we go...

I love your way with words. The conversations we share are like no other. You are so chatty! I love how you say "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir." I love how you communicate, how you repeat everything that anyone says, particularly your siblings. I love how you already know exactly how to bug them, just by saying one little word... "butt." (We're working on that one.) I love how you're starting to repeat songs, especially when you're singing along with The Imperial March.

I love your energy, how you run after your brother and sister, never tiring of trying to keep up with their various activities. I love your courage and your daring spirit, how you climb ladders at the playground and slide down the tallest slides, how you can hold your own (physically and verbally) in a fight with your siblings. I love your fearless love of swimming (although it seriously freaks me out that you love going under). I love how you tell people you're "four-and-a-half," because I know you believe you're just as big and as capable as your brother.

I love your obsession with Pixar's Cars, how you carry those character Wheelies around every day, no matter where we go. I love how you know all their names, how you line every single one up in a straight line when you play. The other day, you held up Lightning McQueen and told me, "Mah-ween says 'a-CHOW!'" and it's since become one of your favorite things to say. I love how you love Star Wars and Ninja Turtles, and how you know the names of all those characters, too. (I also love that you're learning the names of the princesses... you will be very well-rounded, son.)

I love how you love to listen to books, especially "Night Moon," which you almost know by heart. I love how you let me rock and snuggle you before bed, how you ask for the Sh'ma and "Jesus Me" every night. I love how you need blankie, pacifier, Brinley the Bear, and Geoffrey the Giraffe to sleep (and sometimes a car or two). I love that you love your crib and rarely cry to get out, even if you've been awake for an hour.

But most of all, I love the happiness that shines from your eyes. I love that contagious smile and those perfect little teeth. Strangers can't help but smile back. I love your magnetic personality and that you are so quick to apologize, even when you weren't in the wrong. I love that you're a hugger. I love that you notice people, that you remember names.

My prayer for you is that you will always be a blessing to everyone around you, that you will make people feel valued and important with authenticity. I see so much of who you will be already present in your big personality and I pray that you will partner with God to achieve all that He has for you.

I love you, Bugga Boo. Happiest of birthdays to my happiest of boys.

Love,
Your Mama

Some of my favorite pictures of your second year.