Happy Birthday!!

6 years ago we were arriving at the hospital...soooo extremely excited and nervous.  We were meeting our Birth Mother (who was getting induced) and her Mom and Sister.  I remember seeing her and giving her a big hug!  She went up to get things started with her sister and Cody and I stayed downstairs with her Mom.  We got to visit with her until we needed to go upstairs.  Poor Cody spent most of the day in the waiting room while we were all upstairs taking care of our Birth Mom.  I remember being so nervous...but our Birth Mom was giving me the most incredible gift I would be blessed with.  She wasn't only placing her baby with us, but she was letting me be a part of his birth!!  It not only prepared me for moments when I would get to tell Ryker all about his special birth, but also prepared me for other events that would take place later in my life.  She is amazing and we love her so very much.  We feel so blessed that she can be a part of not only Ryker's life, but ours!  And every year on Ryker's birthday we think of her and hope and pray that she knows how much we love and appreciate her!!  This difficult time in her life was one of the greatest blessings in ours.  She is strong, loving and selfless...and I want to be more like her.

It's easy to get caught up in comparing your children's characteristics to yourself or others...and when we talk about Ryker, Cody and I always comment on not only how much we think he looks like his Birth Mom, but also how friendly and loving he is towards others.  He gets his musical talents from her and love for life from her.  I really could go on and on....

But somehow today...this boy is turning 6!!!!  Oh how we love you Ryker!!!  You make life soooo much fun and entertaining...you easily brighten our days and make us laugh!  You are so sweet to others and so kind to your brother.  You are the peacemaker in our home...always making sure Maguire is happy and sharing whatever you have with him.  There isn't a day that goes by that you don't sing or dance or stand on your head.  You always love to help us with whatever we are doing and you LOVE school!!  You are getting to be such a big boy...and I just can't handle it!!!  You Ryker, will always be my baby!!!  

We love you!!!

xo