Patrick is 18 months old/The 10th anniversary of 9-11

I have always been cognisant of Patrick's birthday being on the 11th of a month. Granted, it's not September 11th or even close. But his birthday, March 11th, is exactly 6 months from September 11th. Maybe that is of no consequence at all. In fact, I know it is not...but last year at this time Patrick turned 6 months old, and now (of course) Patrick is 18 months old on September 11th, 2011. And so, on September 11th for the past two years, I have paused to reflect on the amazing growth of my second baby boy. Two important milestones. Not at all connected to 9-11, except that I cannot help but think of the tragedies that befell our nation on this date 10 years ago.

But, I had so much to celebrate in the ten years that followed 9-11. Justin proposed two weeks after 9-11 and we were married just under a year later on 8/3/2002. We spent five amazing years after that in Burlington, in Michigan, and around the country, just being a happily married couple. In December 2007, we learned I was pregnant. July 2008 brought our sweet William, and Patrick arrived just a short 19 months later in March 2011. But that synopsis certainly does not do the years from 2001-2011 justice--really, those were amazing, blessed years for us. I got my first teaching job in the 2001-2002 school year; this year is my 10th anniversary with my school district. I am so fortunate to be there, working in a job I love. We have owned three houses in that time too--from our condo in Colchester, to our sweet little house in the Old North End of Burlington, to where we are now, at 59 Oakcrest Drive. Blessed. Lucky. Fortunate. Hard working. Whatever you want to call it. I got out of debt during this decade. That's a pretty big deal! From renter to homeowner. From single to married. I became the proud aunt of three beautiful children. And, perhaps, most significantly--I became a mother of two of my own.

So, I have paused and reflected on this important date in our nation's history. It has made me cry (several times today), and it has made me think about the fate of those in the Trade Centers and those in NYC, on the planes, and in Washington on that day.  But, it has also given me the chance to think about all that has been so good in our lives since that date in time. Maybe that's selfish, maybe that's wrong, but I'd like to think that all those who perished on 9/11/01 would like to think of us who are still living marking this as a day to remember and a day to celebrate life. And we have SO MUCH LIFE to celebrate in this house.

On that note, here are some recent photos of my sweet, loving little boys. They may drive me crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't change a thing...

Patrick is soaked from playing in his new water table--a garage sale steal! Woo hoo!

Ahh! Just LOOK at him! Almost 18 months old here. :-)

A "normal" view for us. Really!?! Wow. Just WOW.

Cool Guy Joe (aka Will). Love him and his silly antics. Three years old suits him.  :-)

What, you're talking about me?!

Water table upended, learning to say "Go Blue!" Oops. I didn't realize they were playing WMU that day (my alma mater). Mommy dressed them like this!

Yogurt face, with pine needles stuck in...he's still shockingly cute, don't you think?! This was taken on 9/11/11--Patrick's 18-month b-day.

Look--Will's looking UP to Patrick here. Hooray!