::to you::

happy birthday, to the love of my life.

you bless me every day in the ways you serve and love our family and our Lord.

happy 34th, ryan.

we adore you.

::big changes::

i was recently looking back at lily's baby book and noticed that i had written that her 9th month was one of "big changes."

it is amazing how different, yet similar our children can be.  della is truly changing before our eyes.  since she has turned 9 months, so much has changed!

she has gone from having 1 tooth, to almost 6 overnight!

she is so close to crawling.

she is "talking" so much and is signing several things.

and she is just seeming so big.

our precious baby, it is so much fun to watch you grow!

::three::

we had so much fun celebrating you, crosby.  

you took joy in the simplest of things.  you requested to go to the gym so you could get a lollipop.  and when they gave you two for your birthday, you were over the moon.  

you loved opening gifts and loved how lily and finn doted on you.

lily insisted we sing "happy birthday" every time food of any sort was consumed...even snack time.

it was a beautiful day celebrating you and what a blessing and gift you are.

we love you, crosby d.

::crosby dunkin::

crosby!!!

happy happy 3rd birthday!  (or as you say, "thumb holds pinkie down and that makes three!")

i can hardly believe you are three years old today.  and yet, i can't believe that you are only three.

 this is your first birthday that your pregnancy and birth do not seem so raw and traumatic.  this birthday i enter into celebrating you without reliving the pain and fear of your pregnancy nearly so much.  it is starting to feel more distant.  and like something that is in our past, but does not define our family.  and i praise the Lord for that!

you have grown and changed SO much in this past year.  you have gone from seeming like a little boy, to a big boy.  you moved out of your crib, wear underwear and are positive you can do all things independently.  you keep our family laughing and on our toes.  your spunk and determination are such and intricate part of who you are.

it has been amazing to see you become a big brother.  you love your sweet "dewwa may" so very much and she adores you.  for as rough and feisty as you can be at times, you are so tender and loving to her.  and it warms my heart to it's core.

you are such a blessing to our family.  there is not a day that passes that i am not reminded of the Lord's faithfulness to our family in giving us you.  you are such a miracle, such an inspiration and so much fun!

happy 3rd birthday, crosby d!  we adore you!!!

::birthday eve::

when asked what he wanted for his birthday, crosby has repeatedly said "all the toys.  and a balloon."

when pressed what he meant specifically by "all the toys" he would just become increasingly frustrated and yell "all the TOYS!" louder and louder.  so, since that was not too specific, we've taken a guess on his birthday gifts for tomorrow.  he may or may not be disappointed when he realizes he is not getting ALL the toys.

being the great aunt and uncles that they are, whit, duke & sam had a huge balloon shipped here and it arrived fully inflated in all it's glory.  cros was pumped.

it's super lame, but i'm actually a little bit phobic of balloons...they pop in your face, pose choking and strangulation hazards and somehow overwhelm me when i try to get them in the car.  so, i don't think i've ever purchased a balloon for one of my kids.  he couldn't believe he owned his own!  he was such a happy kid on his birthday eve!  and the box of course, was a huge plus!

thanks, whit, duke & sam!

sweet boy.  we are so excited to celebrate you tomorrow!