My first baby has hit two decades. Life is moving ahead slower for Caedmon than he thinks he would like, but I think time will show the benefits these days are working in him. Still not entirely sure of his career aspirations, he has a goal he’s working toward, nonetheless, and doing so debt-free, so if he changes his mind, he’ll be free to do so, with valuable skills to show for his time spent deciding.

He is such a hard worker – diligent and faithful and disciplined – but does sometimes feel overwhelmed by life. At those moments, I often wish I could do more to help, but I’ve been relieved and thankful to find him taking his burdens to the Lord, choosing to spend his free time in faith-building endeavors, and recognizing the ways that God is lifting him up in the harder moments.

And as Caedmon juggles work and school and extra-curriculars, he is also conscientious about making time for his younger siblings. Hide-and-seek, nerf gun wars, tackles and snuggles and teasing – and conversation for the older ones – all make his siblings confident in his love for them, and genuinely excited to be around him when he’s home.

He also still (thankfully) willingly shares about his days and his thoughts with Tim and me. There are more tense conversations at times, but he earnestly seeks understanding, and to be understood, which I think are rare and valuable qualities that demonstrate a maturity beyond his years.

I don’t know how many more years I can count on being able to celebrate with Caedmon on his birthday…and even this year, much of his day has other commitments…so I find myself increasingly grateful for the moments we get. He is a treasure to my heart and I love him beyond words.