This Monday my youngest, Sweet Guy, will celebrate a milestone birthday. It is so hard to believe. Perhaps not just for me but for many of you who have read DTA these past twelve years. Today is a very special Saturday Smiles Eighteen.
Saturday Smiles Eighteen
Sweet Guy was born a month early just a few weeks after the events of 9/11. Today Show host, Ann Curry, came to Ramstein AFB in Germany to cover a story on our brave men and women in the military. Their families were also asked to come. In the crowd, she spied the littlest patriot and sweetly took him from my arms while the cameras rolled. For our families back home, an ocean away, it was truly a precious gift to see this wee star-spangled babe.
A Gracious Gift
Indeed our son’s name means Precious Gift of God. After being told we would never have children and enduring three rounds of IVF he truly was our greatest gift. We had him christened at the family church St. Michaels and All Angels in the village of Pirbright, (Surrey) England.
It is true what they say that the days are long but the years are short. Given his early arrival into the world, Sweet Guy did have a few developmental delays. Both Mr. Decor and I worked with him around the clock. In his early years, our son communicated with sign language. He did not speak until he was well over three years old. It is hard to believe now, but I think it is important to share with others who may be facing a similar journey.
We would return stateside and settle first in Georgia and then onto Arizona when Mr. Decor retired from military service. For those longtime readers, you may remember how over a decade ago I spent three hours creating an elaborate pirate ship cake. I awoke the morning of his 7th birthday party to find my son joyfully cutting into the cake saying “Mom, now it looks like it’s been in battle!” While at the time I did not think it was funny, I now smile at the memory. The pirate cake was still delicious!
Shortly before Sweet Guy turned eight Mr. Decor introduced him to Indiana Jones. To this day the series remains one of his all-time favorites and he is looking forward to Harrison Ford resuming the role for the last time in 2021. We truly had an amazing time at his Adventure Party.
At nine Sweet Guy wanted An Airbender Party. The problem was they didn’t make any such partyware. So, like many moms who want to make their children’s dream come true, I made our own.
When Sweet Guy turned ten Pokemon was all the rage. Facing rain I had to get creative for this party in 2011. There truly is nothing better than photographing a group of boys.
When Sweet Guy turned twelve his heart’s desire was to have a video game truck party. We balked at the $200 price tag. At the time he was in the process of earning his Personal Management Finance Merit Badge in Boy Scouts. So he worked several odd jobs for our neighbors and earned the money himself. The video game party was a complete success!
We moved to Texas right when Sweet Guy turned Thirteen. It should come as no surprise that this time was difficult but he rose above.
When our young man turned 14 his Aunt Bette and Uncle David from England came to help celebrate A Nautically Nice Day.
A simple snap chat invited his friends to have some pizza and apple pie for his 15th celebration.
Three years after we moved to Texas our son had collected an amazing group of friends who we truly adore. Our neighbors STILL talk about the epic 16th birthday scavenger hunt we held.
His seventeenth birthday coincided with his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Friends and family members came from near and far for this special occasion.
This year our son has requested no party. He instead wants to celebrate a quiet day out with friends. It’s a very adult thing to do.
Still, it’s a bit hard on this mama. The letting go.
This birthday weekend I will be making all his favorite foods. I also had to decorate. Just a bit. The theme depicts his favorite sports team.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum 18 sten und Alles Gute! (Congratulations on the 18th birthday and all the best!)
This senior year will continue to be filled with fabulous firsts and important lasts.
I love you,
Mom
Wow, time really does fly. Happy, Happy Birthday to Sweet Guy. Such a very special young man.
Happy birthday to your son! Wow, you had some epic parties! My s-i-l also didn’t talk for her first three years. I think her first sentence was, “Can I have a sandwich?” She’s quite a talker now–I guess making up for lost time. 🙂 How neat that your loved ones in the States could see the news video of your son.
Happy Birthday to your wonderful son. How fun to look thru these photos and walk down memory lane with you .
Happy Birthday to your beautiful son. He’s a handsome guy and the photo of him younger in the hat stole my heart.
Congratulations to him striving to be an Eagle scout. My nephew is one and it takes dedication and strength. It may open doors for him with college.
This was a wonderful Saturday Smile. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy your weekend celebration.
Cindy
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your beloved son One can easily see how much you love and adore him. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart ❤️
… and look at him now! Birthday joys & wishes. TTFN ~ Marydon
I love this so much! Happy birthday to your sweet guy! The photo of Ann Curry holding him brought tears to my eyes. Prayers for him as he starts his life as an adult…and for you, too Mama! I have recently realized my sweet oldest will be eighteen in ten short years.
I have no words for how much I love this post. Happy Birthday to the Sweet Guy! He certainly is (and handsome, too!)! I love seeing all the parties and the evolution. And that Ann Curry photo is such a gem. You have been on a wonderful ride together. This post is a great gift.
What a wonderful tribute to your son! You are such a wonderful Mom to both of your children. Your love really shines through in all you do! He really has had an amazing 18 years and I’m Wishing him all the happiness and joy life can offer. Happy18th Birthday Sweet Guy!
What a fabulous 18 year journey! Laughing about the pirate cake.
Such a sweet birthday history you have blessed all of us with. I too have a wonderful son, my firstborn, and he is 59 years old. Even after all these years, I make a fuss on his birthday and he acts like he wishes I wouldn’t. I’m so proud of the man he became and has continued to be and I know you will find that same pride in your son as he grows into a man.
He may not always be your little boy, but you will always be his mother. Good times are coming in the future. I promise.
Oh, how great is this?! Happiest of birthdays, Sweet Guy!
Such a beautiful post… Happiest Birthday to your handsome son…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
Happy birthday to your son. My twin grandsons were born 3 and a half months early. They have developmental delays, one more than the other. He is talking now. We call him the magpie because he repeats everything you say. They are in middle school now. They have an amazing attendant who has been with them since kindergarten. They’re our miracle boys.
Such a handsome guy!! Happy Birthday!!
So many wonderful photographs. Happy Birthday to your big man!
My eldest also started to speak after he was 3 years old.
Your son has already had so many memorable events in his young life! I expect he’s going to have a really bright future.
It goes so fast doesn’t it? That photo with Ann Curry is amazing. I know you are proud of the young man he has become. Happy Birthday.
This is beautifully written Laura. You are a wonderful mother with a poets heart and novelists skill. These great gifts you create, write and share as only you can, are enduring treasures which will continue to bless your children, friends and loved ones. You are irreplaceable♥️Never stop creating and sharing the beauty of your heart.