Happy 13th Jacob!!!

I cannot believe how time has flown, and the baby that was born to Danny and I so long ago is now a teenager! Jacob has been unique and special from the start - he was born with the sack of water around him still intact - the doctors had to cut it from around him after he was born! They say this is very rare, and is a sign of genius!! I know, it's an old wives tale, but pretty neat nonetheless.

Jacob has grown to be a very sensitive, caring, kind and generous young man. He is respectful to his parents, and is very patient in dealing with the extreme attatchment of his younger brother. Jacob and his friends try to patiently include Ryan in what they are doing, and I am so grateful for the kind of older brother he is to Ryan.

At this point in life, Jacob's interests are making movies (far beyond my technical realm of knowledge), reading, building robots and legos, shooting airsoft guns, bow and arrow, riding his scooter, rollercoasters (the fast, scary ones) and he enjoys sci-fi movies with his Dad. It is a joy to watch his relationship with his Dad growing - I pray that they will always be close.
This is our cutie pie on his first birthday!! "Look at those EYES!!" is the phrase that Jacob has heard his entire life!!!

Jacob and Danny - again, look at those eyes!!

Jacob fell asleep waiting at the airport...

Jacob lounging in the chair

And I had to FIGHT for permission to post this one - Jacob has a very nice Link hat (a character from a video game) that he occasionally wears around - here he is helping Ryan make cotton candy in his machine. Jacob, you are just too cute!! (sorry, I know you probably hate that word now that you are a TEENAGER!!!)

Yep, Jacob can be very serious...

And he can be very funny and humorous - he cracks me up every single day!!

AND, he can be downright silly!!! You must watch this video to see the side of Jacob reserved for special occasions...

Jacob, you have been a wonderful son to me for 13 years. I have so enjoyed any time that we get to be together, whether out shopping, doing something special, or just cuddling. I know you don't prefer all my physical affection, but thank you for letting me express my love to you - you are so cute and irresistable - I just love to kiss and hug you all the time!! (as you know) I promise to try to control my impulses to squeeze and love you when we are around others... remember, I said I would try... haha Seriously, though, Jacob, thank you for being so responsive to me and Dad, for sharing your life with us, for opening up to us, for being a good example to your siblings, for serving us, and for your thoughtfulness. May God bless this next year with much grace, wisdom, health, fun, and a powerful sense and awareness of His amazing love for you!! We love you so very much and are so fiercely proud of you. Happy Birthday Jacob!!