Happy Birthday Marcus

Marcus turned 12 on November 8th. Oh how this little boy changed my life. I never knew I was capable of such love until I held him in my arms for the first time. Marcus was a really hard baby and was very attached to me. I think he spent the first 3 years of his life in my arms. Thankfully he outgrew that and became quite independent. Marcus has always been a smarty. He retains everything he reads and loves to talk about all the latest things he's learned. Anytime you sit next to him for any length of time he'll talk your ear off. I love that he feels comfortable talking to other adults. Marcus is a thoughtful person. Since he was about 5 he's been making me "spoil kits". He would tell me "mom, you go lay down and I'll be right back." He would put turkey, cheese, and a green olive on a toothpick and bring them to me on a tray and then rub my back. He still does little things like this and asks me how my day was. Marcus is quite the ladies man these days. I find notes in his jeans regularly, but the cool thing is he tells me about it and he just laughs it off like its no big deal. I'm really enjoying watching him grow into such a fine young man, but feel a little tug at my heart knowing he'll be gone before I know it. I love you so much Marcus. Thank you for bringing such joy to my life. You better never be too old or cool to sit on my lap and tell me you love me. :) Six months old

My Baby Graduated From Elementary School

Marcus had his 5th grade graduation on Monday. The teachers handed out the diplomas and did a slide show at the end. It's hard to believe that his elementary school days are over. I remember very vividly dropping him off for kindergarten and crying all the way home.
Marcus has always been an excellent student. He actually has attended four different schools and has weathered each change well. I may be biased, but I'd say Marcus is a very likable sweet young man.
Today was the last day of school and the staff do such a great job of making the 5th graders feel so special and really go out with a bang. There is a really wide hall in the front of their school that goes up on a ramp. All the students line the walls and the parents stand at the end. They blast the song "Celebrate Good Times" and the principle, school counselor and 5th grade teachers lead all the 5th graders for their last walk through elementary school. As the students walk by, everyone cheers and gives them high fives. It was such an exciting moment to see all these kids have the support of their peers, teachers, and parents around them. I have to say I was bawling once again by the time Marcus reached me.
I'm so proud of you Marcus. You are a fine young man and I look forward to many more exciting events in your future.