happy birthday Wilder boy!

12 months. I can not believe how fast this has gone. It really doesn't even seem fair. As i look back through these pictures it just doesn't even seem real. to have this little man a part of our crazy family for so long.
finding out i was pregnant with wilder was another wonderful surprise, and even though in my heart i had really thought that i could not handle one more child, the Lord wonderfully showed me that it wasn't true. children really are a blessing (amongst other things) and wilder has wonderfully blessed our lives for the last year.

our third son, my longest and most boring/frustrating labor ever.

instant love of a big sister.
the amazement of our veteran big brother.

the pro, 4th newborn.tiny fingers.

what is this?


and then he grew. those first few weeks flew by, and wilder found his fit in our family and in our hearts.


Wilder Michael, you are loved, so very loved. we call you Wilder boy, thanks to your sister. you are the fastest crawler i have seen, and even though you are not walking on your own yet, you have mastered a special climbing skill that i wish you hadn't. perhaps your dad has found a climber partner. your brother Campbell wants to help carry you around, your sister Mason enjoys playing with you in her room, and i watch your brother Henry with you, he isn't quite sure what to do with you yet, but the two of you will be running around together soon enough. you make goofy smiles and laugh at silly things.
the biggest way i would describe you right now though is: mama's boy. by my side in the house, i will constantly turn around and find myself practically tripping over you. you are the happiest when you are in my arms, and our precious time we have just the two of us is some of the best time i have.
as i watch your brothers and sister grow i can't imagine you being anything other than our small little baby, but soon you will be figuring things out like Campbell, chattering non stop like Mason, and chasing after Papa like Henry.
no matter how big you choose to get, you are our baby, my baby.
and you are loved, very very much.
happy birthday Wilder boy.

five.

once upon a time, a long time ago....
i became a mom.



what everyone says is completely true, it goes way to fast. because i can look at this pictures and it feels like it was just yesterday that we were a family of 3. i felt prepared for becoming a parent. my youngest brother was born when i was 15, so i didn't feel completely awkward around babies. and the only thing in the world i wanted to be was a wife an mother.
but nothing prepared me for the love. nothing prepared me for the overwhelming, all consuming love that exploded inside of me.
and now, here we are, 5 years later, with a son that i couldn't possibly love more.
and now, 5 years of Campbell Paul.

year 1

first birthday.
first experience in the outdoors.

snuggling with his "nigh nighs"
his first sibling.
his second birthday.


happy, and he knows it.
always ready to pose.
3.

and trains. oh, the trains.
4.
climbing.

big brother.
brothers.


goofballs.
Campbell Paul, 5 years. You are strong, the rock during my day. Sometimes the things that come out of your mouth both shock and amaze me. Lately you little mind is consumed with Heaven, and who gets to go to Heaven, and why we aren't in Heaven right now. Many times in your short little life you have come to tell me that God has spoken to you, love for Christ grows in your little heart.
You love your brothers and sister. Love them. You definitely enjoy the alone time that you get, as rare as it can be, but you organize pirate play and diego adventures and train escapades for everyone.
Listening to you read is one of my favorite things, cause you read so so well, and you get so very excited and change your voice and everything.
Trains. You know and love them all. You are attached to the little toys in your life, as your imagination explodes and they become alive in your mind.
You race around outside, and explore everything. You are curious and adventurous.
You are loving and compassionate.
You are wild and crazy.
You are brilliant and funny.
You are dramatic and silly.
You are my little love.
When you came, I became a mother, you made my biggest dream and desire come true. I do not thank God enough for you, because you are my sweet child, and i am so thankful for you.
i love you.
happy birthday my son.