Thursday, November 20, 2008

Five

Dear Anthony,

Five years ago today you were born. Seeing your face for the first time was like witnessing a miracle. I couldn't believe that nine months of waiting had finally ended, and you were here...and you were MINE.

Watching you grow and change over the last five years has been one of the best parts of my life. Listening to you talk; going from sign language to one word to full out sentences. It's almost like you talk in paragraphs these days! You're so full of things to say, and questions to ask. You want to know more about everything. Nothing is too little or insignificant for you to learn about.

You are energetic, compassionate, loud, loving and very hard headed (hey, you might look like Daddy, but I shine through in that personality trait!). You come home from school with a filthy shirt and filthier hands. But you look like you've had a blast - so it's hard to stay mad. You tell me often that you love being a big brother, and that you're so glad Benjamin is part of our family. When we're at Maw Maw's house, you understand that while Maw Maw Peck might not be able to play what you're playing, she loves to watch...and you're OK with that. You are just glad she is there.

You are the center of many people's worlds; but you are a well-grounded kid. You are secure in the knowledge that you are well loved!

A few days after you were born, I thought my world had fallen apart. We were told that you were so very sick, and that you would likely need a liver transplant. It was so hard to equate those words with my tiny baby. You did it, though - you survived, and now you're living life. That's what the transplant was all about, and you could be the poster child for liver transplants.

Thankfully, the liver transplant isn't what defines you. It's just one small part of who you are. There are so many other facets to your personality, and I'm glad for that.

Always stand up for what you believe in, Anthony. You're so good at that now, and I hope it will continue. Always know that Mama and Daddy love you, and that we're always here for you.

Happy Fifth Birthday, Anthony!


Just Born: Littlest LSU Fan


First birthday, helping Mama clean


Second birthday, loves the presents but doesn't want to unwrap them


Third birthday, not so sure about cake


Fourth birthday, he's not going to eat more than one bite!


Fifth birthday, eats only a part of the cake that doesn't have icing on it

6 comments:

Stacy said...

Oh my, FIVE already! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Just Me said...

Happy Birthday Anthony! One whole hand old...that's really cool! Hope you had a great day!
=)Amanda

Renee said...

Happy Birthday, Anthony! You're such a big boy. My 'baby' will be 13 in 2 days. Yikes!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Anthony! Its so hard to believe you are 5!

Shannon H. said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANTHONY!!!

I hope you had a wonderful day.

Shannon, Frank, Camille, Jackson and Marisa

fairenuff said...

Happy Happy Birthday Anthony!

I hope you are feeling better now.

Huggles
Sam, Tony, Bethany & Eloise.
xxxx