Seventeen years ago at 2:20 in the afternoon, my oldest son entered the world. From the beginning, he’s been a happy heart, a kind soul, a strong spirit, and such a source of laughter and joy to everyone he meets. I have lots of thoughts as this big birthday comes to a close, but two big thoughts include: 1.) I’m so lucky; and 2.) seventeen years went way too fast.

Of course it wouldn’t be a birthday in our house if we didn’t start the day with birthday cake. So at 6:30 this morning, it was cookies & cream cake, ice cream and sparkling grape juice. They love cookies & cream cake, but I’d really like to try something new for our next birthday breakfast.