Yesterday was Jay Bird’s birthday, the big 01! He totally had no idea; in fact, Ty seemed to be more excited about Eli’s birthday than Eli himself (due in large part to the fact that we went as a family to the land of germs, Chuck E Cheese’s, to play after dinner).  Honestly, the Chuck E. Cheese adventure brought great pleasure to G and Ty and great disgust to Eli and I, as Eli was totally in sensory overload, and I was totally sceeved out thinking about the children whose sweet, grubby little hands rub all over every square inch of that place! Alas, we survived the family adventure! On a more serious note, I have been blown away at how rapidly this past year with him flew by. It seemed like we noticed every time Ty blinked or moved his pinkie toe his first year; but life does not afford us that luxury with Eli. I wish that I could have slowed time down to notice more of the little ways Eli was changing over the past months. Yet at the same time, we treasure the times we do get to dote on him more than we ever could have with Ty. This is a little poem I wrote for the Jay bird for his birthday:

Some Things Never Change

Sweet Eli J, only a year ago today

You came quickly and unannounced,

Three weeks early to join our fray;

In preemie clothes there you lay

My How Thing Have Changed.

At first your brother Ty was undecided

How to respond to this new housemate,

But in a few days the fears subsided

And since, as brothers you’ve resided!

My How Things Have Changed!

That first week you screamed all night,

And we worried about your demeanor,

But then your smile put our fears to flight;

Now we expect your squeals of delight.

My How Things Have Changed!

I used to worry that Ty would be too rough,

So I protected you from his boyish love;

We quickly realized you were quite tough,

And now we have to say, “Eli, that’s enough.”

My How Things Have Changed!

People used to comment on your scant weight

Because you barely filled your wrinkly skin.

Such comments we have not heard much of late,

You’re known to devour all that’s on your plate.

My How Things Have Changed!

At first we couldn’t imagine a family of four;

Life seemed so crazy, our days seemed so full.

But your smile gave a hint of what He had in store,

Now we cannot imagine life without you anymore!

My How Things Have Changed!

Sweet Eli J, our first year with you we treasure.

We’ve loved watching you become a little boy.

Your spirit brings to our family such pleasure,

We love you more than you could ever measure!

Some Things Will Never Change!