Two boys and a baby.

Ten years ago, while I was away at college, my boy turned two. Not my son, Jacob. My boy, Mikey - my sister's oldest child. I loved him and he loved me. Jenni came into the hallway one evening to comfort me as I cried because my heart ached to be with that young boy so full of joy and wonder. A week ago he turned 12. Happy birthday, my boy!

Two weeks ago my son, my baby boy, Jacob, turned two. I love him and he loves me. He is caring and tough, he is intelligent and strong, he loves to play with and care for his family. His sister is his best friend. My heart aches when I am away from him, even if I am only two minutes away. And my heart overflows with love when I am near him. Happy Birthday, my son!

Two weeks ago, the day before Jacob turned two, my sister gave birth to her fourth child - a baby girl. Two boys and two girls. All evenly spaced - boy - girl - boy - girl. They couldn't have planned it better if they tried. Her two sons at birth, as well as my boy, resembled me. Her daughter resembled her husband. This little baby at birth looked just like her mother. But I must boast a little and say that now, at two weeks old, baby Maile looks partly like me. I love that little girl and in time she will love me too. Happy Birthday, my girl!

¹ My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

²¹ My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;

²² they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.

²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

²⁶ for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.

~selected verses from Proverbs 3