10, ten, T*E*N*

My baby is 10.

 This, I must admit is a hard one for me. In June, Ayden turned 13 and I reflected a lot on that day. But, my BABY is 10.

He is no longer a single number. When you talk to someone about your kids and you say, “oh my youngest is 6” there is that understanding that you still have little ones, but “my youngest is 10” makes me realize time is going way to fast.

This little boy  has showed me how to TRUST.

 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in that secret place. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”-Psalm 139:13-16

 

Trusting was hard back then.. I had 2 babies already. They were babies. I would have 3 in diapers.
Nolen was still nursing, sleeping with us, and barely walking. Ayden would be 3 when Ketner was to be born. Just  3. My oldest would just be just 3!!!.We didn't plan for this!! I struggled through this worry for months. Not because I wasn’t happy to be having another baby boy, but because I worried that I couldn’t be the mother I wanted to be when I was pulled in so many directions. I want my children to know without a doubt that I love them. How could I do that with another baby?

As always, I made it through. We made it through….

When I was in labor with Ket, there was a time when everyone left the room, and I had one last moment of doubt. I sobbed. I prayed for strength and courage and patience and love. I prayed to be loved so I could give love. And boy was I washed over with love. When Ketner was born, Dr. Nelson placed him in my arms and I buried my head to his and cried.
I told him that he would be my joy forever and that I loved him., Without a doubt I loved him.

And we did just that…we carried on.

So today this Joy of ours is 10. Here are 10 things about Ketner that make our hearts sing.

1.     When I tuck him in, he says “I love you mom” and I say “I love you more”. It is our ritual, and if there is ever a time that I forget, he will repeat himself until I say it back correctly.

2. He is a friend to everyone. I love that he has a heart for disadvantaged kids. There are a few at our school and Ket always goes out of his way to high 5 them.

3.     Ketner is awesome at sports. Gifted is a word that I have heard to describe Ketner.
Hmmm…

4. He loves to read. He cannot stand waiting for his gift from Grandma Sally which is the 3^rd book in the

 

Mysterious Benedict Society.

 

(this is Ketner with one of his favorite Authors, Brandon mull, who wrote the Fablehaven series and Candy shop wars.) 

 

5.   Ketner is obnoxiously tall. He was born with the longest baby legs I had ever seen.

6.   Has a mouth full of braces.

7.   Is for the most part super easy going, unless he is tired….then watch out, he may become catatonic.

8.   He loves Sports Center and fantasy leagues.

9.   Ketner is super cautious. He rarely leaves my sight and has a gift for listening to his senses.

10.     Ketner is growing up too fast. Please, please slow down!! I am too in love with this kiddo to share him just yet..

 

 

 
   
 
   

 

Comments

[Amy]

Aww, congratulations mommy! I suppose Ketners turning 10 should alert me that Quinns only 3 years away. I still blame him for all my squishy belly flab... I suppose I better own up after 7 years, I didn't JUST have a baby! Ketner is just such a great easy going kid! I Remember those 'babies' he carried around :) BTW I think you need more babies, such a gifted passionate loving mother like you should be bringing even more wonderful people into the world! We want more Youngs!!! :) Haha, not a chance huh?

[Bridget Jaramillo]

I can totally relate, Shannon. We had 3 boys, aged 4 and under. I had a complete breakdown when I found out (post vasectomy) that we were miraculously blessed, again! Of course, he was meant to be ours, and our family would never have been complete without him. We just didn't know it at the time! Wish we could have gotten to know each other more back home, we seem to have a lot in common! Love to you and your beautiful family.
-Bridget