My Max.

Two days after Jack turned three years old, Max Powell was born.  He spent his first few days in the NICU and I remember being extremely anxious about the fact that no one was holding him in his first few hours of life..... would he bond with us?  was he scared?  was he sad?  was he hurting?  would he ever trust us to protect him?

That was ten years ago.  I can't believe I have spent ten delightful years with Max Powell.  I have been around a lot of ten year olds in my day, and I must say..... this one is unique.  He is constantly thinking about things and processing information, but he really doesn't want people to know that he's smart.  He enjoys spending time with his friends, but he would rather not have to talk to grown ups.  He gets really, really scared during storms, but he knows for certain that his peace during those times comes from the Lord..... and doesn't mind praying about it.  He likes to stay busy..... down time is not his friend.  He collects things....many things.  He hates haircuts.  And new books make him happy.....which totally makes his Mama happy.  

I had the awesome privilege of having Max in my fourth grade class this past year and, about half-way through the year, realized that I spent EVERY single moment of the day with this child.  Every.  Single.  Moment.  Literally..... 24/7.  I wondered if either one of us would begin to tire of the other..... cause, you know..... that's a lot of time...... but we never did.  He still cuddled up with me on the couch at night and talked about his day.  He still asked me to read out loud to him at night or watch Storage Wars with him.  He still started every sentence from the backseat with, "Hey, Mama...."  

I adore this boy.  He and his brother make me smile.  Here's are a few smiles from Max through the years......

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

And, just to keep things even..... here's my favorite video of the Maxer..... 

This one was a "hidden camera" experiment to explain to Joe what I go through in the afternoons before he gets home from work.  You gotta watch all the way to the end..... Oh, dear....

I think you are a mighty fine man, Max Powell.  It is my pleasure to be your Mama!

Happy #10 Birthday!