Here we are, almost Christmas. My oldest boy, Hayden, is five years old and greatly anticipating for Santa to come. As parents, you slowly ease into Christmas and all that is expected. You do not know how it will go on Christmas morning. Will their eyes sparkle when they see what Santa has left? Will they be disappointed? Hayden is our first born, so all we know, we have learned from him. I am excited for Christmas because of him.

Hayden is a very special child. All children are, but Hayden is extra special. He is sensitive, friendly and always puts everyone else first. He is just like his dad. He acts like an adult and is a pleasure to be around. He is now in Kindergarten and learning more than we ever imagined. He is getting quite the sense of humor.

I look at this boy and remember the many hours of rocking him in the nursery wishing he would just sleep. He loved to sleep in the evening and then be up from 1 AM to 4 AM. I’m not going to lie, it was extremely difficult. He didn’t sleep well for over a year. Once he started interacting more, talking and playing, I stopped focusing on sleeping and started wanting him to stay up so we could be with him. We saw the genuine beauty in his spirit. He is such a nice boy. He’s the oldest of three children and with each new child, he has welcomed them with a gentile rub and a soft, “hello, baby.”

I look so forward to spending the next twelve days of Christmas break just absorbing him. Just watching him wait for Santa and all that comes with it. For this year will be our first year with a five year old. I look forward to seeing his reaction and, just as always, learning more about him and growing myself because of him.

:: Mo