My first

You were my first,
You were the first to speak that magical word...mama.
We have celebrated a lot of firsts with you,
So many milestones,
So many days you have made even better
By being a part of our family. 

It is hard to believe that 16 years have gone by,

yet watching you grow has been nothing short of amazing.

You are a one of a kind individual,

and that Son, is a delight.

You are a lot like me,

but even more like your dad,

easy going, smart, fun loving, adventurous,

and a prankster for sure.

 You have the biggest heart

and like your dad, you are a Friend to all you meet.

Ethan,

When I think of the man that you have become,

I have no words for how very proud of you I am,

how proud we all are of you.

With this special birthday comes much

responsibility.

We trust that you do not take that lightly but that

you continue to conduct yourself

as an example of God's light

and shine brightly so that others may know

of His goodness through you.

My hope for you Ethan is  

that you remain to be positive and curious.

That you seize every opportunity and look each

new day in the eye with a fierce appetite, an open mind and

a loving spirit.

That you look forward to all your "firsts"

Remember the book I read to you as a child,

"I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

as long as I'm living,

My baby You'll be".

This is so true...because no matter how old you get,

you will always be my baby, my first.

I love you Ethan

Happy 16th Birthday.