Happy Birthday Ian!!!

February 10th at 1:29; that's what time I told Ian he had to wait till until he could say he was 7. I wanted him to stay 6 as long as possible. He's growing up so fast. I don't want to let go of the sweet little guy who tells me he loves me and that I'm the best big sister in the world. The adorable kiddo who gives hugs and kisses any time they're asked for. My Ian who won't go to bed until he says to whomever tucks him in "I love you, you're the best. Have a nice night, don't let the bedbugs bite. O, and what's for breakfast (he always needs to know!)?" So we came to a compromise. He could turn 7, if he wouldn't stop doing all those things!

The day and the hour came...Ian turned SEVEN yesterday!

I remember when my parents told us the news that he was coming. It was mid-June. We had all gone out to dinner one night at one of our favorite restaurants, Bennigans. Afterwards, the plan was to go shopping for Grace's 2nd birthday presents, even though she was with us. Dad started of the conversation with "So, you know how we were planning on going to the beach next fall? Well, we decided that we're going to go this fall instead."

Mom took over the conversation from there, "We think it'll be best, because it's not always easy taking a 6-month old to the beach!"

I cried that day. I remember at one point talking quietly with Jacob, and the tears just started falling. It didn't seem real, but we were oh-so-happy! I told my daddy that day that I'd been praying for this. God answered our prayers for Grace, and I just knew He could do it again. And so I prayed...prayed that mom would have another baby, and if God wouldn't mind, this time a boy.

It's so hard to believe that 7 years ago Dad took Mom to the doctor's office, who then sent her quickly to the hospital because she was so far along (with instructions to my dad on how to deliver the baby in the car!). I sat at home that day and watched Grace, and waited...and waited...and waited some more, until dad finally came and picked us up and took us to the hospital. I remember holding him for the first time. Our sweet little guy, such a precious gift that God had given us. Ian James McMichael, affectionately know and Bub and Eeeny-Meeny (shortened just to Eeeny most of the time) brings so much joy into our house!

Reading a card from mom and dad.

My gift to him were walkie-talkie watches
they ran around the house all day yesterday with these!