The middle child...

This morning I am sitting outside on my patio, drinking coffee and thinking about my middle child for many reasons.  At this time 20 years ago, I was on bed rest patiently (or impatiently) waiting on this baby to make their grand entrance into the world.  Little did I know that less that 24 hours later, and 2 1/2 weeks early - he would completely change my life and the way I viewed it.  From the very beginning, he stole everyone's heart.  He was the cutest little thing (and, I know every parent says that, but seriously - he was), had the longest eyelashes, and he did really nothing but smile!  In my eyes... he was perfect!

As we moved into the pre-school years, it was a challenge.  I enrolled C and K into Mother's Day Out at church for two days a week.  K (as the youngest) thrived in the classroom and loved every minute.  C, on the other hand... hated it!! He cried every morning, until I finally decided not to make him go back and we had 2 days each week that were mommy and C days.  Now, I'm not saying that was my finest decision ever because I paid for this decision when he went to kindergarten.  For the first month of kindergarten, I would walk in the school with a precious little boy attached to my leg (literally) and crying when I tried to leave, while sweet Ms. Parker peeled him off and made him love school. And I can tell you... Ms. Parker was a saint and a blessing from God in kindergarten - she was (and still is) my hero!

We made it through elementary school, and as we moved into middle school and got to high school -  I knew we were in for a change. I watched this little boy grow up right before my eyes.  I watched him start marching to the beat of his own drummer, becoming this laid back child that nothing could rattle.  He did his own thing, and honestly never cared if anyone liked him or not.  He loved his friends and family fiercely (and still does), and entertained us all with his sense of humor.  Every teacher and administration person at the schools loved him (and I'm not exaggerating)!  When he graduated...that is when things got real.

After graduation, C enlisted in the Army and life as we knew it and our whole family dynamic changed.  Not only had he chosen to serve our country, we were choosing to support him unconditionally.  This meant that we would no longer be together for birthdays and holidays.  It meant that his first duty station was over 3.000 miles from home.  It meant that holidays were no longer dictated by a calendar, but by when we were all together.   Over the last 18 months while he has been in the Army, I have watched him turn into a confident, full of life young man. 

Tomorrow, my sweet middle child will be 20!  And, I look back at his life and how it has flown by.  I could not be more proud of what he has accomplished and what he has sacrificed. My little curly headed boy that I have loved his entire life has become my HERO!  Happy 20th Birthday C... I can't wait to see what you accomplish in the next 20 years.