Then you were only 1 lbs 12 ozs.

At 3, you were 31 lbs.

Now, you are almost 50(?!) pounds

Then your heart had a leaky valve.

At 3, a tiny clip has done its job and your heart is perfect - and you are learning the art of shaving.
Now, you are doing martial arts.

Then you needed a machine to help you breathe.

At 3, your lungs could carry you through a rousing rendition of "Mercedes Benz".
httpv://youtu.be/6cFHnPD_ahw
Now, you and your sister write our own songs to sing - all the time!
httpv://youtu.be/NMFEcUgUe98

Then you needed an isolette to keep your body temp normal.

At 3, you could burn a 104 fever for a day and survive (and mom can get through it without panicking).

Now, I can't keep you out of the ocean - even if its freezing!

Then you were only 12 inches long.

At 3, you spilled out of my lap in every direction.

Now, only your sister is crazy enough to try and hold you in her lap!

Then your eyes were fused shut.

At 3, you saw everything- whether we want you too or not.

Now, there is no stopping you - especially around books and writing your own stories.

Then your skin was so fragile, we were limited in how much we could touch you.

At age 3, you could tumble on a playground black top and stand up yelling "I'm ok".

Now, you are riding a bike and pretty darn fearless.

Then your body was covered in freakishly long and thick blond hair- but your head was bald.

At 3, you had a head of beautiful blond curls.
Now, your hair is still a blond curly mess - but at least you let us cut it!

Then you were surrounded by the amazing and talented staff of the NICU.
httpv://youtu.be/cSayrp_uObw
At 3, your daily adoring public was smaller but adores you more than they thought possible.

Now, you have best friends and classmates and teachers that adore you.

Then you had tubes and wires coming out of you.

At 3, you were free of all synthetic medications and support.

Now, you are a force of nature with nothing, and I mean NOTHING, holding you back.

Then your food intake was measure in milliliters - causing frozen breast milk to spill out of my freezer.

At 3, you would hoover food down like I may not remember to feed later.

Now, you eat while on the move.

Then you were so small, not even the smallest of preemie clothes would fit you.

At 3, you are busting out of your size 2T clothing.

Now, I can't keep you in shoes in clothing as you are growing like a weed.

Then, the preemie diaper was so big, we had to fold it in half to fit you.

At 3, you were in the largest size of non pull-up diapers available.

Now, diapers are a distant memory. You are just a big, goofy kid.

Then I had to leave you every night alone in a hospital.

At 3, I got to read to you, sing to you (while you laugh) and tuck you in every night... And sometimes sneak in just to look at you sleep.

Now, I have the honor of watching you every day: grow, thrive, love, laugh, and LIVE.

 
Then - I had no idea how you would change me. Now, I would not go back for anything in the world.

I love you my boy. Happy SEVENTH Birthday.