Three Years Apart

They will always be three years apart. These boys of mine. Three years. Manny turns 3 today. How is that even possible? He is such a kindhearted sweet little fella. He brings so much joy to our family and was one of the main reasons that Oakley's birthmom picked our family so that her son could have a big brother to look up to.

Three years.

Three years ago we were grieving the loss of the child we thought would be ours forever, but were only allowed to keep for a few days. The call we got when Manny was born was such a thrill.
We found out late in the afternoon, it was a Sunday. It was snowy. We found out that he was only 45 minutes away in the hospital, but we weren't welcome yet since his birthmother wasn't ready to meet us. We met him when he was 3 days old. {Sometimes birthdays are hard for adoptive moms since a lot of us miss the actual birth. Sometimes that has to be grieved as well.}

Forever and always Manny's birthday will come a week after Valentine's Day. And 23 days after his little brother's birthday. And right around President's Day weekend. I always hope that no matter where we are or what's going on the Manny feels loved and cherished every.single.day, but especially on his birthday!

Lately he's been going around saying, "I'm a Rockstar!" You are so right Manny, you are a rockstar! You are an amazing little guy who sometimes looks for Jesus under your shirt because we sing songs about Jesus being in your heart. You are growing so big and so tall. You are so handsome and we have committed to your "twists" aka dreads for your hair. I love love love them and think they totally fit your personality.

We went to a store the other day and you started a conversation with the guy selling shoes. You told him you were wearing your, "Tennessee Tennis Shoes." I'm pretty sure you could have sold him a pair of shoes the way you were being so chatty with him. You have a gift, my sweet child, you make people happy, you make strangers smile. You are not shy and want to know EVERYONE'S names. More times than not you will remember their names and usually their entire name at that. I am so glad that God choose you to be the child who first called me Mommy. And I love it when you pray, even when you pray for pets and people then roar like a lion right before you say A-men. You are a treasure. You are truly a gift from God. I pray you will fall in love with Jesus and that he will use you in mighty ways. May you never ever forget your name: Emmanuel means God is with us. God is with you wherever you go and whatever you do.