Mixed Emotions

Yesterday was Big J's birthday. He is now 12 years old! It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that I worried over my B-I-G guy (a little over 10 pounds at birth) who had to stay in the hospital an extra week. Then he came home with that heart monitor. Oh, I don't think I slept very much after he came home with that thing going off all the time. I'm so glad those days are over, and that he grew out of the bradycardias.

Big J has been such a fun addition to our family. He is my child of many faces, my first (and only) finger sucker, the boy with the tender heart and fierce temper, the first to want to grow his hair long and the first with a pressing desire to be "cool". It's been such an adventure to watch him growing up and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. What will he be when he is grown?

Yesterday was a bit hectic. I felt badly that I didn't get to spend more time with Big J on his special day. It happened to be National Night Out with Mustang Man hosting a mini car show in our neighborhood as part of those festivities. It was also the night for Panda's pack meeting. Stormin' and Moose were both working. Thankfully, Big J was happy to go to Cub Scouts with his brothers. It helped that a fire and s'mores were part of the plan. We had cake and ice cream when we returned home (all except Stormin' who was closing). Big J enjoyed his day and that's all that matters. He gets to celebrate more with the grandparents on Saturday.

Unfortunately, it was not all a day of happiness and celebrations. I was shocked and grief stricken to hear that my dear friend's brother died yesterday in an accident. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.