In earlier American rural life, communities raised barns because many hands were required. These events occured in a social framework with a good deal of interdependence. Members of rural communities often shared family bonds going back generations. They traded with each other, worshipped with each other and celebrated with each other. Barn raisings were an integral part of life and socializing.

In our modern American life, communities don't mean nearly as much as they did back then. It is our family's goal to bring a sense of community back to our lives and those lives that touch ours.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ninth Birthday

My baby turned nine today. It is his last year in the single digits. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone by. It makes me so insanely grateful to be a home educating family. All of the time that I am able to spend with my children is priceless. I can't imagine sending them off to spend their days with someone else. At any rate, a little about my boy now. He was born in Flagstaff, Arizona via cesarean section after thirteen hours of unmedicated labor. Four hours of pushing did not yield the outcome I had planned on. My little man proved his stubbornness from the get go. He was sideways and no matter what position I tried pushing in, he was not coming out. My doctor was amazing and slow and gentle. Never pushed me into a decision, just made a suggestion. When I decided it was finally time to have him, things moved much faster than they had all day. And soon enough, we had an eight pound, seven and a half ounce, 20 inch long, healthy baby boy. When he was a newborn, he loved to be outside. That hasn't changed. His favorite lullaby was, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". He talked early and has never failed to amuse or amaze us with vocalizing his thoughts. His love of learning has taken him far and I am excited to see how his development turns out as the years go by. He loves Legos and has a knack for building things better than any kit could ever give directions for. He has gone from trains and trucks to Star Wars and now on to Harry Potter. He is a helpful and loving big brother. He loves his cat, Autumn, and she loves him as much. He is a good friend and an excellent son. I love him more than I could ever explain to him. Happy Birthday, my sweet, sweet boy.

With M and T and their gift to him today.

We are saving the cake for our family party on Friday,
so he had candles on his french toast instead.

Love that grin

Barely three. He loves the mud.

Four and a half with his very first bike. He hasn't stopped riding since.

Five. Hanging out with Mom.

About two and a half. "Breastfeeding" his busy doll.

Six and a half. He was thrilled to see such
 a large bill. It belonged to an uncle in Michigan.


Legoland Chicago. Six and a half. Just hanging with R2-D2.

3 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday, S! I hope you have a wonderful day. I wish we could be there in person to share it with you, but know we are there in spirit.

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  2. We think he swell too!

    Happy Birthday S! You are nearly a decade old! Wow.

    xoxo J

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  3. How did I miss this post?! Really enjoyed the photo montage...I can't believe that sweet little baby boy is already 9! Love you, S, and glad you had such a great day!

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