Happy Birthday, Jack!

Nine years ago today, a beautiful, perfect baby boy crashed into our world after 24 hours of labor, introducing my heart to what a mother's fierce love is all about.  He was intense from the beginning - I knew he would be full of energy from the moment I felt him move in the womb. 

And our Jack has been a boy full of energy and zest for life and enthusiasm ever since!

Jack experiences life to the fullest, enjoying every minute, craving things to do and new things to learn.  This year fulfilled much of those longings in his heart, taking his first flight in a small plane...

...participating in organized sports for the first time, and many other things.  He was a star on the basketball court, a fish in the water and a powerhouse on the baseball field.  But what makes us most proud is his amazing attitude.  Each of his coaches compliment his respect for leadership and team mates, the way he encourages others and the good sportsmanship he shows. 

Athletics is only one of his many interests.  He is also a thoughtful, caring, artistic kid.

He enjoys doing projects and learning real life skills, especially when Papa is there to teach him!

He is still very patriotic and loves military history...dreaming of one day taking his own place in the ranks of our nation's veterans.  (He's still debating between becoming a Navy SEAL, an Air Force Pararescueman, an Army Green Beret or a Marine like Papa!) 

He thrives when he is outdoors or doing things hands on.  He learns best by moving and doing! 

This year, he fell in love with baseball.  He not only enjoyed the regular season, he was asked to play on an All Star traveling team for a few tournaments this fall and could not get enough of it!

He went from machine pitch to kid pitch for the tournaments, and became a powerful pitcher, though his main position is as first baseman.

Jack is very in tune to others' emotions and hurts and is often praying for others or drawing cards.  He asks deep questions about life and has grown tremendously in his walk with Christ. 

A highlight of this year was entering a drawing to the county fair and winning the Grand Prize for that category! 

For over a year, Jack has been praying for a dog.  He was the classic boy longing for a dog of his own.  He loved to have me read stories of boys and dogs, but they always left him with an ache in his heart.  Until Hattie came along.  Jack and Hattie have a special relationship!

We love our Jack so much.  All that intensity as a newborn that slightly overwhelmed us has changed into a passion for life and relationships that is delightful.  (And still a bit overwhelming at times!) 

We pray that Jack continues to put Christ first in his life and that he grows in wisdom and knowledge as a nine year old!  Thank you Lord for our precious son!