Our 1st Born Turns 16!!

Our little guy is no longer a kid anymore! OK, well, essentially he still is at 16; but, he's more of a little (OK, not little either) man now! I've said that before; but, I really mean it now! How exactly did that happen so fast?! I still can't believe we have a child that's driving now! And so far so good...he hasn't given us any grief (let's hope it stays that way! :}). When he said he wanted his ears pierced for his birthday, I have to admit I wasn't too keen on the idea. But, I realized that was the parent in me talking & I have to let him have his own style (I just beg that he doesn't get gages & puts big ol' holes in he ears that he will regret later! :}). And since he is a good kid, we decided to give the OK.

He's still a stud! :}

 

 I thought it would be fun at this monumental birthday to take a trip down memory lane, and see how he's grown. Seems like yesterday when we became parents for the 1st time! Look at that blond head of hair he had! :}

Being 4 weeks early, he did need some oxygen at first to help with his breathing; but, otherwise did great!

One proud Grandpa!

The cousins were pretty excited for the new addition too & couldn't wait to hold him! (Oh Jenn & Annie...look how cute you are! :})

We have to laugh at this one...being early, we weren't all prepared & didn't have a bassinet for him when he came home. So, instead we made him a little bed out of the VCR Box to put him in until he was ready to go to his crib. (which, fortunately he was sleeping through the night by 6 weeks! :})

The day of his blessing (and yes, we realize this was '96 & not still the 80's, despite our hair do's telling you otherwise! :})

He was such a cute & happy lil' baby! :}

...even when he got put in the sink! Ha Ha :}

I was (and still am, of course) a very proud Mommy!

We were thrilled to make Dad & Sherrie 1st time Grandparents! (and we know where he got that chin from! :})

He was a football fan from very early on. As you can see, he was very protective of his football. He loved his brother; but, that was NOT going to be Dylan's toy! :}

He always loved animals too! Tiko just put up with him jumping all over him all the time! :}

I loved his little curls! :}

Why take the toys out when you can just play IN the toy box?! :}

Letting him go on his 1st plane ride by himself to see Grandad & Gramma Sherrie. Wow, looking at this, I can't believe we let him go so easily, when he was still such a young guy! We still have a letter sent from the lady he sat next to on the plane, talking about what an amazing kid we have & what a thrill it was for her to sit next to him!

He's always has been a cute lovable kid! :}

He's always been a great brother too. He was SO excited to get the baby sister he'd be begging for for 2 years straight! (and not exaggerating here...literally every day the 1st year :})

I see what a great friend he has been. Him & Connor have been best buddies since the beginning! :}

Kevin & Moses are his other two longtime friends. Have to laugh at their trying to be "cool" here with the dinosaur hats on! :}

It's never boring with his cousins! :}

He's definitely our Sports Enthusiast

And now, here we are with a kid in High School, who has a Girlfriend.

I had to go get his special cake (Tres Leches) from the Mexican Bakery. And now I know why he insisted on that cake...it was tasty!

Two beauties who love him very much! :}

"Happy Birthday Big Brother!" :}