Manning – our first teenager…

On Wednesday, our firstborn son, Manning, turned 13!

It is hard to believe this cute little baby boy I birthed is now a teenager. I adored him then, and I adore him now!

Our friends, Mel and Debbie, met up with us again in their RV. Manning and Debbie share a birthday, so we had fun celebrating both of them.

We started the morning with our traditional donut stack with candles. Then we each took turns saying things we liked about both Manning and Debbie.

We gave Manning his journal so he could read what each of us wrote in it for his birthday. And we gave him some meaningful gifts, which he loved.

Manning and I went on a morning walk, and he, Liberty and I played Ticket to Ride that afternoon. We all went to Cracker Barrel that evening, likely our last time in a restaurant for awhile due to COVID-19. It was a fun day of celebrating!

Becoming a teenager is a big deal, so we planned some extra-special things in addition to celebrating on Manning’s birthday. Manning and I were planning to go on an awesome date this weekend, but we are rescheduling it as most places are now closed. And Ryan and Manning are going to do a daddy/son camp out one night soon.

I am not sure there is a photo that depicts being in a large family better than this one. Haha! Manning is the really cool big brother of this whole bunch, and we all just love him so much!

Happy 13th birthday, Manning! You are a teenager! My first teenager. I can hardly believe it. The day I found out I was pregnant with you I was shaking in both fear and excitement. Fear because I had no idea how to be a mom, and I really wanted to be a good one to you and for you. Excitement because I knew immediately that you were and would be one of the greatest joys of my life. And that’s so true…you were then and you are now one of the absolute greatest joys of my life. You were the most precious baby boy. I loved dressing you in awesome shoes and cute little bowties. You were a sweet little boy, always sensitive and loving to your little sisters. You loved doing fun stuff with your daddy, and you loved cuddling and having conversations with your mommy. You’ve grown into a young man, still sweet, sensitive, loving, fun and a great conversationalist. I still love having conversations with you. You melt my heart with your singing. You are such a great big brother, and you are a good friend to anyone. If I had to pick what my firstborn son would be like, it would be you. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you more than I could ever express, and you’ll always be my boy! 💙