all 4 Him: dear easton,

in less than two weeks you'll be FOUR. four years old! i'm understanding more and more what it means when people say, "they grow up way too fast." i wanted to share your birth story + of course all the things i love about you. mommy's pregnancy with you was not very fun at all! after being sick pretty much every day for almost 9 months + more doctor visits then I could count + in and out of the hospital...trying my hardest with the help of medicine + God...to keep you in my belly for just one more day.

we went in one week too early and thought we were going to get to meet you, but the doctor made us go home and wait a whole week more. that was TORTURE! can you believe i didn't even get to see you the second you were born and neither did daddy. daddy only had to wait a few minutes, but i had to wait almost two whole hours. thank goodness i was asleep! i won't lie...your mommy was scared, but you know how i tell you that Jesus is always with us no matter where we're at or what we're doing? he didn't leave my side that day. he took all of mommy's fear away + kept my baby boy safe. i am so thankful for that!

even though it was difficult at times...i would NEVER complain because the moment i saw your fuzzy little face...all of those unpleasant memories completely disappeared. WOW! what an amazing gift from the good Lord above. easton, you made me a mommy! do you know how special that is? you completely changed mine + your daddy's world. you have brought us more joy then we have ever known before. you are my sweet, smart + sensitive boy. you are an observer + a good listener. you are very loving + VERY particular (down to analyzing your long sleeves to make sure they are even when i roll them up). you don't like long pants AT ALL because they touch the tops of your feet. you can be so silly and funny. you make all of us smile.

you are totally ready for pre-school, but to be completely honest, the thoughts of taking my little man and dropping him off brings tears to my eyes. you are one precious boy with one amazing HUGE heart. my first goal as your mommy is to make sure you know about Jesus and why we are all here. another goal i have is to make sure you are confident in yourself + who you are in Christ. you can wear the same brand clothes as everyone else + carry the same book bag as everyone else...as long as your heart is different. people see your heart by the way you act and the way you talk. i am so thankful i had a mommy who ALWAYS encouraged me and NEVER put me down. i want to do the same with you. i pray that people will see Jesus in you and that NOTHING will hinder you from being the man of God he's called you to be.

you are the best big brother + the perfect son. we love you more than all the words...in all the books...in the whole entire world. i am one blessed mommy to have you as my little boy!

love mommy

Happy 4th Birthday!!!