My William turns 11 years old today.

11 years old.

I truly do not know where the last 11 years have gone. They’ve completely flashed by in an instant and it’s very bittersweet to me. William is my first baby, the one that has to blaze the trail for all the siblings behind him. I’ll never forget finding out I was pregnant with William on January 17th, 2004. I prayed every single night to be pregnant. I wanted a baby so badly and just was so hoping and wishing and praying for a positive pregnancy test. When I saw 2 lines that morning, I can’t describe the happiness is simple words. I was ecstatic. The biggest dream I’d hoped for was going to come true.

When William was placed in my arms on September 25th, 2004, it was instant love. He was my little man, my best friend, the answer to so many, many prayers. We named him William, after my maternal grandfather, knowing that he would always have his Grandpa William looking over him. People always tell me that William looks JUST like me, that we could be twins. That’s true, I do see the resemblance all the time. But truly, it’s who William is that always makes me proud. William’s an old-soul. He’s never been the kind of kid that was his age… I can’t quite describe it properly, but William’s like having an extra adult at home. I always tell my husband it’s because we had 3 more babies back to back after we had William… he had to grow up quickly, but I know in my heart and my soul that William was truly born an old soul. He sits with Matt and talks about history and science and literature. He jokes about my love for reality TV and romance movies/shows. He’s the one to wake up early every single morning so he can read or play his video games before breakfast because all of his homework is done and put away. He’s got a great wit about him and he’s one of the funniest kids ever. William’s a smart little guy… loves school and never wants to miss a day! And when it comes to sports, he’s a fan/devoted athlete of so much! Swimming is William’s super-power of choice, as he used to say when he was a 6 years old… he puts all of himself into swimming and just loves to compete (not so much the training… yet!). As William’s mother, I’m so proud of who he is and the man I know he’s quickly turning into.

William is my best little friend. He confides in me and talks and lets me into his world… I pray this continues for many, many more years. But today – I’m embracing his 11th year. I love you William, you made me a mom… and for that, I am forever grateful. I love you mountains high and oceans deep.

And as always, a birthday video montage…