8 {Nathan's Birthday}

My not-so-little guy turned 8 yesterday!!!

First, a stroll down memory lane. . .

The sign that Dave and Matthew made.  It was hanging on the front door for when we came home from the hospital after Nathan's birth.  The black blobs are Matthew's contribution (he was 3.5 then).

I found this in a pile the other day while I was decluttering:  it is one of those print-outs you can get at Chuck E. Cheese for one token. 

Yup, Nathan and me.

He was 20 months at the time.  Sniff.  My baby.

Yesterday.  Strawberry cupcakes with homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting.

I love his dimples!  Oh, and the goose egg is from a pretty bad fall at the park on Labor Day afternoon.  We *almost* went to urgent care.  Thankfully, Dave has some connections - called 4 ER docs who all confirmed that Nathan was ok to head home (we did have to observe him, and also wake him up every hour or so a couple of times after he fell asleep that night).

What can I say about Nathan?  He is just the more loving, funny, fiery guy.  He loves his family, and has loved babies ever since he was practically a baby himself.  He defends those he loves, is fiercely loyal, and brings tears to my eyes sometimes with the touching sweet things he says.

We thank the Lord for you, Nene!  You are such a blessing to all of us :-).