It is really hard to believe that my once adorable little boy, is now a handsome man.

Today, my baby is 16, and I am still not sure how to grasp it. I remember being 16 myself; very clearly in fact, and it doesn’t seem that long ago (clearly I am delusional).

21 hours of ice chips and Demerol; I still recall the day he was born so vividly.  I remember seeing his annoyed, screechy little face as they cleaned him up (sorry for the graphic depiction), then they handed him over, and I promised I would do my very best to raise him with what I had.  There were a lot of great people in my room with me sharing the moment; my best friend Beth (Buffy) even quit her dream job that night at the Palace (HA) so that she could stay with me, and I will be forever grateful to Holly and Harm Geurs (my then amazing roommates) for getting me to the hospital that night.

Vatican is so witty, smart, charming, sincere, gentle, thoughtful and musically gifted, and I know he will do great things in his life.  I miss the days of him being a wee one wanting snuggle time.  But, lucky for me, I still don’t embarrass him too much, and he will still plant a big kiss on me every morning when dropped off at school.  I love him for his humour (he understands me), and the for the fact that he is always available to assist me with a good prank, or a Sobeys aisle dance party (poor Teddy).

Thank you so much to all of you who have had an influence in helping me create the man he is today.  He has a wonderful network of people who have shared in his nurturing, and rest assured he will make the most of everything he has learned.

Happy 16th birthday pooper, you will always be my first love…..

I LOVE YOU…