I had a very difficult time getting pregnant with Jack. After getting pregnant so easily with Caroline, it was a surprise and frustrating for us. Finding out we were finally pregnant with him was a very exciting day as can be imagined. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult pregnancy with Jack. Suffering from everything from medicine-controlled high blood pressure to giving my self injections of insulin in my stomach four times a day for gestational diabetes~~ it was a rough pregnancy to say the least. The last 8 weeks were extremely difficult. My body wasn't maintaining any amniotic fluid and I had to go on complete bedrest to try and let him "cook" for as long as possible. We moved in with my parents so my Mom could help me take care of Caroline while James was at work. Jack was born by repeat c-section on June 25, 2003. We chose his birthday because I was born on the 25th, so was James, my Dad and my neice. So we wanted to add him to that club. As difficult as my pregnancy was, my delivery was wonderful. After the fear-filled and life-threatening drama of Caroline's birth, Jack's was so peaceful and full of the Lord's presence. It was a sweet, calm and gentle time.
I know mom's say that their children are the most beautiful babies, but Jack really was a beautiful baby. Perfect features, clear skin and those beautiful eyes of his.
Jack was a good baby. Sleeping through the night early and being a great eater. He had (still has) an infectious laugh that always brings me such joy. Jack didn't stay still long. Walking at 10 months that soon turned into running. Caroline reveled in being a big sister and the two of them their 'best friend' relationship.
As Jack has gotten older his own little personality has come shining through. Jack is one of those kinds of people that is so full of life in every way. At times that "fullness" can be very tiring for a mom, but there is also something that is also contagious and thrilling about it all too. Jack never meets a stranger. I was amazed while watching him play at the playground a couple of weeks ago. Within minutes he had made 5 new friends and was engaging in play with all of them. He easily goes from one friend to the next and makes them all feel important. A true extrovert in every sense of the word. He is extremely loving and still enjoys sitting in my lap or with me on the sofa. He normally has his hand in ours or his head on our shoulder. He is quick to tell us he loves us and is an unusually generous child. A friend rarely comes over without him trying to give his toys to them.
He also is very busy and active. "All Boy" as many term it. We've struggled over the years with his impulsivity. Learning to think before acting and learning how to use words instead of hands and feet to solve problems. Because he fancies himself a superhero, we also are working on not jumping off the furniture, counters, stairs, etc. But hopefully as he continues to grow and mature the impulsivity will be less of a struggle.
As my title states, when I see Jack, I see, feel and experience the Joy of the Lord. He is my Joy. I never thought I'd have a son, or one so full of energy and life. But I am so grateful that I do. Jack keeps me young and encourages me to stay on top of things. He makes me laugh more than anyone else. This week alone he has told his sister: "Hold up, Girl, those peaches are for dinner." Another child at Backyard Bible Club that didn't want to hold hands with a girl to make a circle was told to, "Take it like a man". When we take the time to listen to him, a smile is not far behind.
Jack's imagination is legendary. His imaginary friend, Hammie, is often at our house, encouraging some of those not-so-good choices. And a day is not every complete, unless we are a superhero for at least part of the day. All things related to: sword fighting, knights, super powers, fighting bad guys ~ are good. I love how everything is full of magic and wonder for him. Where ANYTHING can be changed into something that a 'good guy' needs and where a day is never boring as long as you can imagine.
My baby is 5. I don't know how that happened or how it happened so quickly. I wish time would just slow down a bit! I don't want him growing up so fast as these days are pure magic with him and I'm not ready to give up on the super heroes yet. And even though I fail so often as a mother of a busy boy who needs lots of activity and interaction, I am striving to become a better mom for my sweet child who in my mind personifies that part of the Lord that is fun and engaging, loving and maybe even a bit silly.
Happy Birthday, My sweet Boo Bear. I love you more than you will ever know.
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