Eight Years

Eight years.

96 months.

2920 days.

Meeting Owen was the single most life-changing event of my existence. Meeting him began my (still ongoing) journey out of self-centeredness. He made me a mother. He made us a family. 

When I was a teenager, one of my older brothers went through what I'll call an extended "wild streak." (UNDERSTATEMENT) I used to get so angry and annoyed that my parents would give him chance after chance after chance whenever he screwed up. I didn't think he deserved it. My little sixteen year old self couldn't grasp why they didn't just kick his butt to the curb.

But in the first moment of holding that 5 pound, 9 ounce baby boy in my arms, I got it. I finally understood why my parents could never give up on my brother. 

Unconditional love.

....

If the next eight years go by as quickly as the last, we're going to be in trouble.

Happy birthday, Owen.

....

And FYI, this is what happens when it's not Olivia's birthday.