Turning 8 is a great reason to SKATE!!!:)

i truly cannot believe that our firstborn is 8! it does not seem possible that 8 years have passed since a very tiny bundle arrived 9 weeks early to ben and i. what a journey...3lbs to 56lbs...NICU to above average in height and weight. ben david is a walking reminder of the Lord's faithfulness in our lives. this time of year always brings me to a bit of a standstill. i have to journey back mentally to that terrifying day my water broke one morning 11 weeks early, of the 2 long, uncertain weeks on bed rest that followed, of a 30 day stay for our newborn in the NICU, of the emotional experience of not bringing your first baby home from the hospital full term as planned. 

i find it ironic and almost sacred that this all took place during the church season of lent. lent is a time of waiting, of preparing, of sacrifice. all of those words well describe that season of our life 8 years ago. and then...just days after easter, a time of rejoicing, of new life, of celebrating our risen savior....we brought our little guy home.

Benjamin David Wright

"Son of my Right Hand"

"Beloved"

thank you lord for this gift of life. for your merciful goodness in granting us Ben David. each day i see him growing and maturing...becoming a young man that follows hard after you. thank you for his gentleness, his sensitivity towards others, his caretaking of his siblings, his patience, his contentment, his selflessness, his diligent spirit, the work he will do in your kingdom.

ben david was very specific this year in his request for a roller skating party. we included a few friends, along with our family (kai and addie and little l...we missed you guys!!) the first 15 minutes or so found everyone on their rear ends most of the time. after that, it was smooth sailing for all. a monsters university cake was the birthday boy's choice, complemented by his matching shirt. 

it was a great time...and for anyone wondering, kate's skating ring has not changed a bit since 1980. not one bit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN DAVID!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!