Nate is 14!

Nate turned 14 last Thursday! On his actual birthday, he wanted to go to the Chinese buffet for lunch. I'm not sure why, since he ate chicken nuggets and french fries! But, it was his birthday, so he got what he wanted!

Afterwards, he went to the mall with his aunt. That's a big deal because we don't do the mall, so the only time he goes is when she takes him! He got a few things he wanted, like a Baja hoodie, a new hat, and an Xbox game, and then went to get his birthday dinner. He'd recently discovered Reubens, and that's all he wanted. They went to the best Jewish deli around (okay, so it's the only Jewish deli around, but it really is good!) and ordered take-out.

After dinner, he said he was tired, which really meant that he wanted to go play his new Xbox game!

On the weekend, Nick took Nathan and a friend to an indoor skate park where they could scooter for hours. I was sick, so Nick got to take the other kids, too! There was a Dave & Buster's right there, so he bravely spent the afternoon there with them.

Nathan's friend slept over and then went to church with them in the morning. On Sunday afternoon, we had a family party here at the house. Again, Nick did everything, while I stayed upstairs, sick. Because he was so busy with the party and his pathetic patient, he didn't take any pictures! Thankfully, my sister sent one of the birthday boy.

Happy Birthday to my sweetest, oldest boy! People always say that time flies, and it really does. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was privileged to be at the hospital with your birthmom and was able to see you just minutes after your birth. Holding you was miraculous, and I think I cried more than you did! You've grown into an amazing young man, and I'm so proud of you. You're not afraid to try new things, you make friends wherever you go, and you're polite and respectful of those you meet. My prayer for you is that you can accept how much you are loved. I love you, Nate!

*********************