Happy 16th Birthday, TJ!!!!

The cake

The gift

It is hard to believe that 16 years ago today I had nothing better to do than to lay around on a Saturday morning reading the paper! That is where I was when I got the call that TJs birthmother was on her way to the hospital. Tom and I jumped in the car and made the two hour drive to Owensboro, Kentucky. Due to circumstances, we had to keep a low profile so we hung out in the hospital chapel until we were allowed to go see him.

Looking back it was a wild time. We couldn't wait to be parents! We had already been through a lot of things....infertility stuff and one failed adoption. We were excited and nervous. We hoped she wouldn't change her mind. I have such great respect for his birthmother. First, she chose life when she didn't have to make that choice. Second, she chose us to be his parents! He was just 6lbs 2 ounces...hard to believe that he is now 6 feet 2 inches!

We named him Thomas James Alexander. We wanted to give him the name "Thomas" simply because we wanted him to know how special he has always been to us....what better name than that of his father.

TJ is a great kid! He has always enjoyed those activities that he can hit things and not get into trouble. Football has been his favorite sport and playing the drums one of his interests....yes, two things that you can hit and not get into trouble....unless it's late. A late hit in football is cause for a flag. A late night practice on the drums is a flag from mom that she has a headache!

Happy Birthday, TJ! We love you.