Kaelan Turns 9

Tomorrow Kaelan turns 9.  My Kaelan boy has always been in a rush for everything--including entering this world! 

After a scary morning at the hospital having my firstborn, Tristan's, forehead glued shut (run in with a chair in the church nursery--the chair won!) I thought my excitement was over for a while.  Little did I know that the excitement had only just begun.  At 7 the next evening my water broke--3 weeks early (yes, Kaelan, you may blame your early birth on your brother)!  By 10:30 pm on June 6, Kaelan Quinn had arrived--6 lb 6 oz and healthy as could be!

*Our little family celebrating the birth of Kaelan

Kaelan, you have always carved your own unique path, made big messes, tackled adventures, found a friend in any situation, and brought endless laughter to our family.  You have charmed ladies at the supermarket with your out-of-control curly hair and regularly have toddlers clinging to your legs just hoping for you to play with them.  There is no problem that is too big for you to solve with a creative solution.  Silliness come naturally to you, as does your incredible knack for sports (definitely given to you by your father--not me!)  I love how you love people no matter their situation or appearance--young and old alike.  Your generosity amazes me regularly. I have learned through you the beauty that can be found in the glistening wings of a cicada and the patterns on a caterpillar.  You, my son, have inspired me to slow down and enjoy the wonders that God has given us all around.

Kaelan, I can hardly believe that you are actually turning 9 tomorrow!  From my little kiddo stomping around in his favorite neon green Croc boots telling me "You smell good mommy" to my boy who can find coins in any and all vending machines, make the whole family laugh without hardly trying, find adventure around every corner and give the biggest, bestest bear hugs ever.

 

Daddy and I have prayed (and sang) this verse to you since you were very small: Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

As you grow, don't lose sight of the strength of your 9 year old convictions.  You are more courageous than you know.  Don't give up--use your amazing creativity. You wear your heart on your sleeve--and that is ok--keep loving and caring, it is what makes you you!  You are my dreamer and think you can tackle any problem, right any wrong, feed all the homeless--keep it up--maybe you can!  Be a best friend to your brother and sisters--no matter what! Keep making messes (just clean them up--please!)--you never know what you may discover just by getting messy! Don't ever stop giving me your trademark hugs--mornings and bedtimes just aren't the same without them. 

"Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"

...and your Momma and Daddy, and brother, and sisters, and grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and cousins and.....

for you are loved Kaelan--all the way to the moon and back and bigger than a dinosaur or elephant or mountain or whale and infinity plus two!