Three times a charm!

Today is Luke's 2nd birthday! Our third child, our second boy, the perfect completion to our family. Oh, how I love this kid!!

I think most people were surprised when we announced we were having a third baby. After having the "perfect family"- one boy and one girl, some people probably thought we were "done". But when I would think about our family being complete, it just didn't feel right. I wasn't exactly ready to have another one as close as the first two were (22 months) but when Katelyn was 2 and a half, we just said "whatever happens, happens". Well, it happened and we couldn't have been happier!

Since the day he was born, Luke has been pretty easy going. He is the typical baby of the family, carefree, happy as a lark, and doted on by everyone in the family. He was, and is, a good sleeper, not too picky of an eater and generally, goes with the flow. Another thing that is great about Luke is that he is a snuggler. His favorite position has always been laying on our shoulder with his little head tucked in our neck with his arms wrapped around us. Even as an infant, it was like he instinctively knew how to give the best hugs. He's just got the sweetest personality yet he is definitely a silly guy. He loves to make people laugh and has to be right in the middle of everything with the big kids. I think that is why it seems like each child grows up faster than the first because they are always trying to do what the older kids do!

Having Luke in our lives is more than just icing on the cake. In fact, when I was pregnant with him I called him Sprinkles because he was just like that extra special something everyone loves. He is just so special to me and makes me feel so fulfilled as a mom. I love watching how different and how alike he is to the other members of the family. He brings so much to our family dynamic. I love how he's changed us all, for the better. I can't imagine not having him in our lives. God certainly knew what he was doing when He gave him to us!!

Here's what I wrote in my journal after he was born....

...when you were born, I could not contain my excitement! I was even able to bring you into the world with my own hands! It was amazing! I just cried and cried with relief and joy. I couldn't believe you were finally here! You stayed on my tummy for a minute but you were very blue and not crying real strong so they took you over to give you some oxygen. You pinked up pretty quick and soon you were really crying! It was a wonderful sound. I just kept looking at you in awe and thinking, what a blessing this child is!

Happy Birthday, Lukey! You are my pride and joy! I love you more than you will ever know!