thirteen.

Dan & I are now officially parents of a teenager.  Our baby is thirteen... how.is.this.possible?

Thirteen years ago on July 28, I woke Dan up very confused... my water had broke 3 weeks ahead of my due date.  24 hours of labor later, on July 29th... an emergency c-section & we became parents for the first time.  A perfect, adorable, blue eyed, chubby cheeked little man, with what looked like a perfect haircut from the get-go. Collin Daniel.  Even then, he was quiet, extremely lovable, very sweet, but with a little drama, a little temper if things didn't go just right. 

collin.  6 months. photo by Amy Becker.

Over the years it's been much of the same, just intensified as the years go on.  Still extremely lovable &  sweet, still shy & quiet, easily hurt feelings & still the drama that comes & goes.  I can't believe how much time has passed... in many ways we've all grown together, learning from each other in the many mistakes that of course happen with raising your first kid.  We love you so much, Collin & are very proud of the young man you're becoming.  Happy birthday Collin, I hope you enjoyed your party with your friends & your special day with us, too.

Collin with his friends.  Bailey, Cameron, & Cory.  Goofy 13 year olds.

concentrating hard while at lunch yesterday on his surprise present from us... a new iPhone. lucky boy.

love you Collin.  again, happy birthday.