Happy birthday, Caleb!

Luke, Caleb Aaron, and I three years ago, on April 1, 2006.

Caleb Aaron today

Dearest Caleb/Buddy,

Today is your third birthday. It has already been three years since the Lord blessed us with you, our “man cub.” I have to admit that I was always a little afraid to have a son. I grew up with two sisters. Even though Aunt Melissa liked to beat me up and was even on the wrestling team in high school, I still didn’t know how to raise a boy! I certainly didn’t want any son of mine to turn out to be a sissy or a momma’s boy! I was nervous to have a son, and yet…

You are a gift, a blessing!

I can’t imagine my life without you! When you wake up in the morning, you hit the ground running – literally. You have enough energy to go-go-go, and yet you need your rest to keep you happy, too.

You’re not a sissy! Hooray! We didn’t even have to train you to smoosh bugs and like gross things! God sure does make little girls and little boys different! I just love watching the way you think and learn.

I love watching you grow. Not only are you looking older all the time, but you’re also growing in your knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You may not have all the answers during our evening devotions, but you try! And your favorite song is “Jesus Loves Me!” Daddy and I pray with all our hearts that you will grow to love and serve Jesus with your life – wholeheartedly, just like the Caleb in the Bible.

You make me laugh, the way you laugh with abandon at the silliest things. It’s contagious! You love it when Daddy or I wrestle with you. You always laugh when I hide and jump out and say “Boo!” at you.

And you can be so sweet and tenderhearted. You’re still not too big to give your mommy a squeeze and a kiss…And I hope you never outgrow those things.

You’re excited to get a baby brother soon. A boy to wrestle with! Hooray! Just the other day, you said in your little man voice, “Mommy, I can’t wait until Jaden comes out!” I sure hope you and Jaden will become the best of friends.

You’re so much like your daddy, and I thank God for that. Your daddy is the best man I know. You’re both easily distracted, and you both love to drum on the dinner table. You’re going to be a talented musician like your daddy, too; I can already tell. I hope you love to serve Jesus like your daddy does, too.

Caleb, today I’m celebrating you, my wonderful son, and I’m looking forward to many joyful years of helping you grow into a man of God. Always know that Daddy and I love you with all our hearts!

Happy third birthday, Buddy!

Love,
Mommy