13!

It still hasn't really set in that my oldest is 13.  I mean, surely I'm still like 24 - I can't possibly have a child this old.  Right?  I mean, this is how I still remember him:

Those scrumptious cheeks and big "deer caught in headlights" eyes.  Ugh, so cute!  This was when he didn't talk back to us.  The glory days.

He has taught us a lot over the last 13 years.  We were babies when we had him (he showed up a quick 9 months after we got married) and we've learned everything that comes along with parenting, with him as our guinea pig.

Sure we've messed up more times than we can count...and while I'm sure we will be the topic of his therapy sessions when he's an adult, I hope he'll always know how much we love him.  

Caedmon is so loved!  God has made him into one of the coolest kids I know.  He's brilliant, funny, caring and kind.  He has loved reading since he was in Kindergarten, never going anywhere without a book in tow. 

He did one of the hardest things a 12 year old could do and started a brand new school this year.  Not knowing anybody, he walked into that middle school building with his head held high.  I was so proud of him (and I may or may not have called the school secretary to check on him #alwaysmybaby).

Happy 13th birthday, Caedmon!  We are so proud of you and love you dearly.