Another Year Older...

Today, my "baby" is celebrating his 5th birthday. Little N has brought so much joy and laughter to our home and family. He is so much like his daddy, even down to the way he walks. His favorite things are having lightsaber and kung-fu battles with his dad and older brother, riding his bike, doing yardwork (although you wouldn't be able to tell from the current state of our yard) and creating artwork out of things he finds in the recycling bin.

Our little N absolutely adores animals and many of the neighborhood dogs love seeing him at the park. He's all boy and can be really physical (his preschool teacher has had to help him remember that pushing a buddy is probably not the best way to tell someone that you don't like it when they stand too close to you) but he also can be so sweet. He often will drop his legos or Star Wars action figures to come and give me or dad a quick kiss and hug and then jumps right back into his playtime. He also has a very vivid imagination...just today my sister was telling me a story about a 10 foot Lego tower he built. When she asked a few questions to get more details, he was happy to oblige...although he did admit later that it was actually a dream.

I am so excited to see how his personality will continue to grow and what his interests will be. I pray each day that he will grow up to be a man who is passionate about life and sharing his love of God with others. The photo above was taken at our church a couple of weeks ago. In it, the children are signing a piece of drywall that will be hung in our new worship center. Little N came home that night and told us how he and his friends prayed for our community. Such a grown up statement for such a little man! Happy birthday, Nater. I love you!!!!