Seven years ago this morning, I gave birth to a baby boy.  That baby boy made me a mama.  He made Chris a daddy.  He changed our world.  He helped us learn how to give, how to love more deeply, how to laugh like we didn't even know was possible. He charmed grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He became the first boy born to any of the Holbrooks since my own father, 51 years prior. He ensured that Chris would be able to pass down the Woods name to the next generation.  He is a wonderful big brother to Lila, and already so caring and protective of his baby sister who is still within my belly.

He is beyond intelligent.  He loves games just like his Daddy did when he was his age.  He is always on the hunt for a good joke, loves his macaroni and cheese, and will wait for "his wave", board in hand, until it appears on the sand in front of him.  His heart is so tender, and he is kind to everyone he knows.

He has continued to change us on a daily basis, teaching us so many things that we never even knew that we didn't know.  He ignited my creative spark and shaped my photography style.  He will never understand how important he has been to all of our lives in the past seven years.

Dearest Parker, I love you so.  I wish you the happiest of birthdays today, sweet boy.  Thank you for making me a mama.