35 Years Ago Today....

I gave birth to my youngest son. He joined two brothers and was probably the bane of their existence! He was a pretty cute kid, though, and since the other boys went off to school, he became my constant companion and buddy. He captured the hearts of all the ladies I came in contact with, kind of like his son does. (That nut didn't fall too far from the tree!)

Napping, with his best friend guarding.

Grade school.

Steve has always had a bunch of friends. In fact, the kids he went to school with are still really good friends. When one of their group lost his wife recently, Steve was right there to give Jody comfort and keeps showing up just to make sure he's OK.

He's a super dad, not only to his son, but to his stepson Danny.

His little family in 2006

He's always been kind of stubborn, but it has actually served him well all these years. He likes to have fun, but didn't go beyond a certain point in that fun. He didn't do anything he didn't want to do. That list may have been more comprehensive than Mom would have liked, but he came out fine on the other end. He's always been the one that tested us, and stretched our ideas and beliefs. The phrase, "unconditional love" came into our minds many times during the teen years.

Steve, we're so glad we didn't stop at two kids, even if we were trying for a girl. Not a bit sorry that you're a boy now.

Father and son on Syd's first day of school.

Happy birthday son!