Has it really been ...

...13 years? I remember the morning you were born so well. Your dad and I were so, so young and so, so excited! He went to his classes that day with your tiny footprints on his scrubs. We still have that top hanging in your closet. I think he's going to wear it to the office this morning. Knowing that he is just as proud of you this morning as he was that morning warms my heart. He loves you so much.

You are such a great kid! Do you even realize how amazing you are? I honestly could not be any prouder of you.

Blake, if I could have chosen to have any kid in the world do you know that I would have picked you? There is not another like you. I am so blessed to be YOUR mom. I will forever be grateful that God allowed me to be the one you call mom. He could have picked anyone, and He still chose me. What an honor!

I love you so very much. I love everything about you. I honestly do. You have such a presence and maturity about you. You always have. From the earliest of days when you first began to toddle around our home I could tell you were destined to be a leader. Every where we went people would comment about our "little man". Its true. There was something about you and there still is that tells this world you were meant for great things. God has such incredible plans for you. It excites me to know that.

Before I closed my eyes last night I tiptoed into your room to kiss that forehead and I thanked God for you. I stood over you and watched you sleep. As you slept I realized that you were no longer a child. I admitted to myself that the next time those eyes opened you would be a young man. A teenager none the less! I am so excited for you. A little sad for us knowing we only have 5 more years with you until you begin to chase your dreams, but so, so excited for you knowing that you will achieve those dreams. I have no doubt about that.

Blake, my prayer for you today is that you will enjoy every moment. Soak it up. All that we have in store for you, but more importantly all that the Father has in store for you. Ashley Kate and I sit here this morning anxious to wake you and Al, and dad. I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love you. How proud I am of you. How thankful I am for you. Now that I've done that its time to have some fun. I hope you enjoy your surprise!

Happy birthday Blake Adams. Your mom and dad love you.