January 3rd, 1993

one of my most favorite days EVER. i was 14 years old... a freshman in high school... it was the day before we went back to school after Christmas vacation...and it was also...

the day i became an aunt!

it's hard to believe that you are 18 years old today.

we knew we were in for it with you, because from day 1 you would have things your way or NO way...

you were about 6 weeks early... and after losing your twin not much earlier, we were worried...

you were small. small, but strong, and you pulled through. it killed me to have to look at you through the window of the NICU, but i held fast to the truth that one day you would be out of that hospital and i would get to know MY nephew.
you sang in the cherub choir at church:


i was there for your first day of school:

(and i'm sure i'll be bawling like a baby in 6 months when you walk across the stage to get your high school diploma.)

i've been to as many of your baseball and football games as i possible could


i love this picture because it shows how small you were as a freshman... stepping up to play QUARTERBACK in the Thanksgiving Day football game...

it's just like you, to overcome adversity... just like when your twin didn't make it in utero... YOU showed you had promise and determination and stamina... even then.

you have made me so proud... you've excelled on and off the field... earning honor roll...

and went against the advice of your father to quit football


and baseball

and just last year in 2010, you decided to give Lacrosse a try


and now, after all of your hard work and determination, you have been named CAPTAIN of the Varsity Lacrosse team!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATULATIONS JOSHUA! i don't think i could be more proud of you if you were my own child :)