Happy 2nd Birthday, Jacob Michael!

I can't believe that 2 years ago today our Jacob was born.  We met our 2nd son at 11:30 am on that very exciting day.  We couldn't believe we were already adding another little one to our family, Chase was only 14 months old.  But we were so thankful for this 2nd little gift the Lord had decided to give us.  Charles and my mom were both allowed into the OR that day (thanks to one of the greatest OB doctors ever!) and it was so special to be able to share that with my mom.  She was the official videographer that day while Charles took the pictures to document that special time.  The videos are such an amazing thing to have to look back on and remember that day... although my Mom is about all you can hear on the videos :)  Charles had the same reaction to seeing his 2nd son as he did when Chase was born... love at first sight and we were both overcome with emotion.  Jacob came into this world looking much like his brother did and showing off what great lungs he had!  We were so thankful that the Lord had given us another perfectly healthy little boy. Greenville Memorial was swamped that day so we were stuck in recovery for what seemed like 12 hours but finally around 2:00 that afternoon I was put into a room and finally able to hold my baby boy.  I can't believe all that happened two full years ago!

 Dr. Moore showing you off just seconds after you were born.  There is nothing sweeter than hearing your baby's first cry.  It was love at first sight!!

Grandma put your first little outfit on you when you were just hours old.  Mommy still could not move due to the very powerful spinal she was given right before having you.

 Chase meeting you for the first time.  He loved you from the beginning!  (Notice the onesie Chase is wearing... my mom tried to find a "I'm the Big Brother" shirt for him but they did not make one in his size... I guess the industry doesn't think that big brothers come as young as Chase was. :)

Looking back over this past year in pictures, I am amazed at how much he has changed, grown up, and developed into a strong, loving yet very opinionated little boy.  We have challenges ahead but I know the good times with Jacob will be so much more!  Praying for the year ahead to be a great year, a healthy year, a year with no broken bones :), and a year where he will learn more and more about our Lord and how much He loves us!  

This picture was taken a year ago on Jacob's first birthday!

This is our big 2 year old!  I can't get over how much he has changed in just one year's time!!

Dear Jacob Michael,

  What an amazing two years this has been!  You keep us on our toes, you are constantly making us laugh, and you never stop trying to be just like your big brother!  You remind everyone so much of your Mom... not only are you the spitting image but you have one speed, fast!  There isn't much that will slow you down... except for a broken leg.  :)  You were 3 months shy of your 2nd birthday when you broke your leg while at church... Mommy and Daddy just thought you needed to "walk it off".  The next day you were at the orthopedist office getting a cast.  Once it started to heal you were off again and nothing was going to stop you!  You watch your brother all the time and repeat most of what he says.  Chase is so excited to start sharing a room with you soon... you are now in a big boy bed, although it has been more of a battle than we thought it would be!  We know you'll catch on soon and you'll know just what is expected.  You are so excited about becoming a big brother in August... we can't wait to see you fit into that role.  You eat anything and everything... you eat like you have never eaten before and like there is no tomorrow.  Mommy loves that she can put whatever she wants in front of you and there is no question whether you will eat it or not.  You are still a thumb sucker, which Mommy loves.  There is nothing better then going into your room at night to tuck you in and see you snuggled with your Bear-bear sucking away on that thumb.  You don't suck your thumb unless you are in your bed which is a good thing!   One day we'll tackle breaking that habit but for now it reminds me that you are still my little boy!  We pray for you every day.  We pray for you to truly understand what your Lord has done for you and one day give your life to Him.  We can't wait to see what He has in store for your life!  Above everything, we want you to learn to love Him with all of your heart and to put Him first. We can't wait to see how He is going to use you to impact the Kingdom!  You bring so much joy into our lives... what an amazing two years we have had and we look forward to many more years ahead!

We love you, Jacob!!