Milestones, Growth, & Ryan

When my Ryan was a baby, he began sucking on two of his fingers...backwards. We thought it was so cute, so unique. I remember my husband commenting that we needed to be sure we captured this look on film, as we wanted to remember it. Funny thing is, Ryan did it so frequently for so long that it kind of became his trademark. Many, many pictures of him feature that particular finger-sucking technique.





Then all at once, the finger-sucking disappeared. There was no fanfare. No message blaring from loudspeakers, indicating that he'd just sucked his fingers for the last time. That stage was simply over.

There were other "milestones" like that over the years. The last diaper. The last Pooh Bear video. The last babysitter. Sometimes in the midst of those things, I thought we'd live there forever. I didn't think there would ever be a time when all my boys would be potty-trained. I didn't think we'd ever move beyond Pooh & Piglet. I didn't think I'd ever be able to leave our home again without securing a babysitter.

But then I blinked.

And now, instead of having three little boys in tow, I'm racing to keep up with the busy life of a teenager. Two teenagers, to be precise.

Including my Ryan.

Yes, today we reached another milestone as my Ryan gained the title "teenager." And while the sentimental side of me looks back, remembers, and somewhat longs for all the sweetness and cuteness of yesterday, the more balanced side of me looks at the here and now and rejoices in the young man my son is becoming.

A man who is responsible.
tender.
intelligent.

A man who is loyal.
committed.
true.

A man who loves fully.
gives wholeheartedly.
serves sacrificially.

A man who is a faithful friend.
an enthusiastic fan.
a constant encouragement.

A man growing in faith.
truth.
integrity.

So I'm thanking God for all the parts of yesterday He has used to bring us to today. I'm aiming to embrace the newness of today with all its bold experiences and opportunities for growth. And I'm looking ahead to tomorrow with eager anticipation. For thirteen years, God has been using this son of my heart to change me. I'm gladly looking ahead to how He will expand his world, his impact, and his influence over these next thirteen years. May God get all the glory.

Happy Birthday, my precious teenage son.
You rock so hard.
You rock my socks.
I think you're neat(er). I think you're sweet(er). I like your feet(er).

I love you...XOXO