a few weeks ago my baby boy turned 3. we were sitting together on the sofa when he asked, 'mama, why do you have a birthday party?'. i started talking to him about how much fun birthday parties are and how we celebrate with our friends and family. this eventually led to a discussion about the passage of time, the calendar and the years that go by and how we all grow older. he looked deep into my eyes and grabbed my face in his still so tiny hands... i imagined for a moment that he knew exactly what i was saying and how i felt about him growing up too fast. just then he squished up his face, shook his head and said to me…. 'mama, what are you even talking about?!'

this is love. true and pure. he reminds me each day not to take life so seriously and i feel so blessed to have him in my life. happy birthday aaron. may all your wishes come true.