Dear Gavin

Happy Birthday month! This time four years ago I had the slightest inkling and a few signs pointing to your imminent arrival, but we had no idea whether we'd be blessed with another little princess or blessed with a little boy. You were born on a warm morning on April 3rd, and the moment the doctor announced "it's a boy!" is one that I will never forget. You came to us Easter weekend-a weekend that we celebrate the risen Lord and the promise of new life. I know this was all a part of God's plan for you! You were sent to us during a bittersweet time, but I know in my heart that you were sent to us to help us focus on LIFE and all the beautiful parts of it....to bring us joy (and you do!), smiles and hearty laughs (an abundance of them!), sass and mischief (you've got them covered ;)), snuggles and love. We cherish you more than you will ever know and we enjoy every single day with you!

Looking at your first pictures down below, I know that we had no idea what kind of a ride we would take with you or the kind of little person you would grow to become. You are a little man who loves to snuggle and will often run up to me or Dad (or another family member) and give the biggest hug and a little shake (your "snuggle"); you are very particular and need to have things in order...sometimes you like surprises and sometimes you don't (it depends on what the surprise is!); you love puzzles and will often pull out all of the puzzles that you own and just go through the stack working on them; you love UNO and have become really good at playing it; you love books! Sometimes I will search for you-because it's quiet-and find you reading a book in your room. Books about dinosaurs, trains, and trucks are your favorites. You have discovered a love for monster trucks, "hunting", and fishing. You LOVE fishing for crappie and bass with your dad. One of your favorite fishing stories to share is when you went fishing with Dad and Sydney and you guys got a "huge snapping turtle!" You love to eat and always seem to be hungry. You love to play outside-climbing, exploring, digging, finding rocks/bugs/worms/footprints. You can always put a smile on someone's face and I cannot wait to watch you continue to grow and change! We are blessed beyond measure to call you ours, sweet boy!

Happy early birthday, Gavin!
Love you always,
Mom