Four years ago Kevin and I walked into the hospital at 6:00 on a Tuesday morning in late November to get my water broken. We were nervous. Excited. Not sure what to expect. I was already pretty far progressed so my doctor thought my labor would come on pretty fast. My baby had other ideas. I can’t complain though. It was a pretty easy 11 hours of labor. And then with one final push the doctor pulled my baby out into the world, held my baby up and announced, “It’s a boy!”

I’m not going to lie to you. My baby was a red squalling ball of icky gooey-ness. But it was still love at first sight. And when we were released from the hospital Thanksgiving morning, I was indeed very thankful.

We’ve been through a lot together, he and I. Colic. Chronic ear infections. Tubes. Sleepless nights. The trials and tribulations of breastfeeding. And I wouldn’t change a moment of it. He can drive me crazy one moment and then melt my heart the next. He’s my whiner. And my cuddler. My people pleaser. And my daredevil. His smile can light up a room and his giggles are contagious.

I can hardly believe that he’s four already. I look at this image and I feel like I can already see the man that he’ll someday become. And I’m not ready for that yet. So please my sweet boy, just stay little for a little while longer. For mommy. Okay, buddy?

I love you Dylan.