Tate's Fifth Birthday - July 23, 2014

For this child I have prayed...1 Samuel 27:1

Tate Christopher was born 5 years ago today!

Five years have gone by since my dream came true.

My entire life I wanted to be a mommy.  I waited for Mr. Right.  I was engaged to Mr. Wrong.  I was infatuated with a couple of Mr. I Don't Date Women.  I drooled over Mr. I'm a Movie Star.

Then I realized I needed to send up some prayers and ask for a way to become a mom.  God answered my prayers, and even made it relatively easy for me.  How amazing is He?

He sent me this precious, precious soul to mother.  This sweet, oh so amazingly loving little boy to raise, nurture and love.  I cannot believe I've been entrusted to his care.  When I think of the task of being mother to this young boy, I'm overwhelmed with love, fear, care, hope, and most importantly joy.

It has been a joy to sleep way too few hours, step on way too many toy trains, clean up so much food on my floor, cuddle with my 4 year old, get hugs from my 3 months old, wipe a dirty nose and hold a sick baby close.

It has been my joy and privilege for the past five years.  I long for five more centuries.

Tate woke up thrilled to realize it was his birthday and that he would have some presents to open!  (I got up at 4:30 to put his balloons out because our cat LOVES the ribbons, so I had to confine the cat.  I didn't want to have the cat 'locked up' all night, so opted to get up early enough to have time to go back to sleep!  The things a mother does!)  Tate came bounding down the stairs and this sweet child of mine took the time to give me a huge hug, much to my surprise and joy, before going over to his presents!  Goodness I love this boy.

Tiger Cheerios (aka Frosted Flakes!)

 

We had presents to open from his donor/dad Christian, his godfather and his family as well as me :)  We skyped with Christian for a bit, and that just made both their day!  Then we were off to camp for him, work for me.

My parents picked Tate up from camp, brought him home to change and meet up with Aunt Lindsey who gave Tate his favorite present of the day.  He is in LOVE with all things planes from the Disney movie 'Planes'!  

Then they  met me at Tate's favorite Mexican restaurant which he refers to as 'The Chip Place.'  A margarita for me and Lindsey and a vegan red velvet cupcake for Tate complete with the Happy Birthday song and Tate's day was complete.

Tate and his beloved Papa!

Of course I had to get him a train birthday shirt! 

Make a wish! 

Blowing out the candle!!

He was a very happy little boy.

He came home and played with his new Lego toy from Aunt Lindsey, then could not keep his eyes open past 8pm!

It's been an amazing five years...

Baptism...a different kind of birth celebration!

2nd Birthday!!

5 Years Old!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Tate!