Do you remember the time?

Do you remember the time?

When we first met? I do. It was early in the morning on Friday, October 25, 2002. I was shaking uncontrollably and you decided to hold your breath. I think it was your way of getting back at me for trying to push your big watermelon sized head OUT for so long! A “nanny-nanny-boo-boo” type thing.

When you would cuddle up and fall asleep in daddy’s arm on the couch?

When we rode out a hurricane in the bathtub? You were so easy going about it all. As if you knew what was going on, you weren’t quite 2 yet. It was like we were having an adventure though, the 4 of us – you, me, daddy and Evie crammed in our teeny tiny bathroom in Pensacola. When we moved onto the Red Cross shelter it was actually a relief! SPACE!

When you climbed up on the counter in nothing but your undies to eat Oreo’s straight out of the package?

When your brother was born and you would sit and “read” books to him over and over again? What about lying on the floor with him, one arm across his back to show he was yours? I feel sorry for the person that picks that first fight with him – they will have you to deal with.

You made your first true friend? I knew we would move and you would have to say goodbye. Through thick and thin you and Noah stuck it out together, you let the water pass under the bridge. You took it on the chin like a true “Navy brat” when we had to cross an ocean and half the country at the mercy of daddy’s job and leave your first BFF behind. It tears my heart out, but to you it is just part of the job of being a military kid.

How much I love you? So much that it hurts. I would do anything for you - take the pain away, make it all better with kisses, reassure you in your decisions and help you down the path to be the leader that I know you are.

When you promised that I could always give you hugs & kisses, even when you are 17? That you said you would never get married and move out of our house? When you told me you’d be my “little Pookie” forever?

…..that you crawled into our bed last night and snuggled right up into my arms and whispered “I had a nightmare mommy, hold me”……I will remember those times for as long as I live.

I am excited for the memories we will make in the next 8 years, but nothing will ever be as great as the day we first met. I love you little Pookie – happy 8th birthday!