to samuel, who is now three.

Samuel – you are now three.

{sigh…sometimes I wish time would slow down just a bit}

I look at you, and that sweet but powerful face of yours, and I’m so grateful. I’m so thankful today for you. For the joy that you bring to our home, the laughter, the fun, the seeing of the little things of life, and the living fully. How can you, at three, be so incredibly wise?

Look at you three years ago. So little.

Samuel’s Birthday 9/25/09

You love your family.

Like today. You wanted your whole family with as you opened your presents — you told me let me go get my girls — as you raced down the stairs to wake up your three big sisters. And, a secret, you’re the only one that could have woken those sleepy sisters of yours before 7am with your voice telling everyone it’s my birthday, it’s my birthday. Your family matters to you little, but now getting big, Samuel. I love that about you.

Samuel’s 1st Birthday 9/25/10

Samuel, I am so grateful to be your mother. Between these two pics, birthday one and two, that was one of the hardest years of my life as that was the year we found out about Celiac Disease. I am so thankful that I was able to fight for you – to get that Celiac Disease diagnosis and to continue to fight for you and for Celiac Disease awareness.  I still look back in wonder and with such gratitude at the little boy who emerged – who got a second chance at life when he stopped eating gluten. You inspire me with your courage and your attitude of seeing all you can have in life and not what you can’t.

Samuel’s 2nd Birthday 9/25/11

And now, this year, this last year you’ve thrived. You talk and talk and talk. You’re learning your letters, and love to read, and of course play outside. You love your superheros {you put your new Captain America shirt on immediately}, and playing light sabers, and you just want to get big. You’ll get there, so don’t race too fast.

You are simply a gift, a beautiful part of this family, and we all love you dearly.

I’m just blessed to be your mom. So today, today with my words, I celebrate you.

Happy 3rd Birthday Samuel Josiah.

love me.

If you are interested in learning more about gluten free living please connect with me at the Udi’s Gluten Free Community. If you’re interested in Celiac Disease and Samuel’s story click the Celiac Disease tab above to learn more.