Ethan Blake Messer-- TWO!!!

It's hard to believe that two years ago today, our second little blessing, our second little boy, Ethan, came into our lives. I remember seeing his sweet face for the first time, smelling his breath, touch his cheek. Feels like just yesterday.

This little guy gave us lots of scares during pregnancy, so seeing him nearly perfect for the first time, was indescribable. It just made all of those feelings of relief that we first felt when getting good results back from all the tests that had been run on him, come flooding back. He was born with a lung infection, which we totally didn't expect, nor were prepared for, because it put him in the NICU for 10 days on antibiotics. But, God had a plan, and we accepted it, and witnessed even more healing on our sweet boy. Meeting and getting to know the NICU nurses was wonderful. They were all so caring, and wonderful with Ethan. I remember our favorite nurse, Sonny, his only male nurse, called him the 'big boy', since he was 9 lbs., next to all of these tiny preemies in the NICU.

Wow, two years-- two years watching this little boys grow and mature. He is doing so well developmentally. I'm amazed at just his speech already. He can be very independent, when he's not on Mommy's hip. He has such a different personality from Jacob. Oh-- he is SO much like his Daddy-- not only looks, but attitude!!!(sorry, Ronnie:) He is very feisty, very strong-willed, and did I mention has lots of attitude??!!! On the other side, though, he's so very affectionate, and such a sweet cuddler. I hear 'Mommy, holdy' all day long now, and even though I get tired, I still love that he wants me so much. He is still very much a Momma's boy, but I think will transition quickly into a Daddy's boy. When Ronnie's not home, or even not in the same room, he constantly asks, 'where Daddy?'. Ronnie can't dare leave the house without Ethan saying, 'Ont Daddy hug....ont(want) Daddy mmmpppchh(kiss sound)'. And, when Ronnie gets home, Ethan's knocking things over to get to the door to be the first to greet Daddy. I know it melts his heart, and makes his day.

I love how much Ethan looks like Ronnie. He's such a cutie-pie-- basically a blond Ronnie. His eyes are a little different, so I'm thinking he has my eyes, and Ronnie says he has my lips. Better than nothing. His eye lashes, like Jacob's, are soooo long-- so gorgeous. He's just so 'pretty'! I think I can get away with saying that about a boy at least at this age.

Ethan, Daddy and I are so proud of you, more than you'll ever know. I am so happy to be your Mommy. You are my little shadow, and I know I spoil you rotten. But, you're my baby, and will only be little for so long, so I can't help it. One day, you probably won't let me love on you as much as I do now, so I've gotta soak it all up while I can! I adore you sweet boy, and I thank God for you daily. Thank you for two beautiful years. Happy Birthday, Boogie!!! Daddy and I love you so much!!!

(*photo compliment of Uncle Lance*)