21 Short Years Ago

21 years ago today, my dreams of being a Mommy came true.  How can it be possible that it has been 21 years, and yet it has been the blink of an eye?

Look at those cheeks!

I remember it just like it was yesterday...the sweltering Las Vegas July heat, my ankles swollen beyond recognition (can you say CANKLES?), the sweat pouring off of me as my mom made me walk one more time around the park.  Trying to get labor started but secretly being so terrified that I wished it would never come.  I wanted to appear so tough and so strong, but little did I know that labor has a way of turning even the most seasoned of woman into a blubbering baby. 

Anthony at 1 Year Old

I can never forget the fear of an unexpected and emergency C-Section and the joy of hearing the sweet newborn baby cry.  It all happened so fast and yet in all it took over 24 hours.  But we did it and that is what mattered!  I was a mom at 16 and I was determined to be the best mom possible.

My sweet 2 Year Old

Through the years, Anthony and I have grown up together.  He immediately became the guiding light in my life.  My reason for being.  All decisions I made were made with his interests first.  Sure, mistakes were made, but I know in the end, we did a great job!

Kindergarten Boy

My husband and I did everything backwards and started out life together with a precious little boy.  What joy I felt to see this little love worming his way into Rick's heart.  It was always my wish for Anthony to have a dad to look up to.  The next phase of our lives was unfolding and before we knew it, we had become a little family with Anthony as the center of the universe.

Check out that toothless grin!

Becoming a teenager

Anthony has brought so much to my life.  So much more than I know I have given him.  He has taught me to love without abandon.  To not worry what tomorrow brings but to enjoy this moment...

the right now. 

Homecoming his Senior Year

I know that sometimes I drive him crazy because I still want so desperately to be his Mommy.  I feel weird not offering advice and I feel lost not having him as a child.  He is an adult now and a wonderful one at that.  I am so happy that he just rolls his eyes and says, "Yes mom" when I tell him to drive careful or to play nice (just kidding...kind of!). 

Those little boys LOVE their big brother!

I hope that Anthony know how much is has always been loved and how much he is cherished today.  I am so proud of the man he has become.  He is kind and loving, he is outgoing and friendly, he is hard working and learning how to be a grown-up.  But, most importantly, he is my son.  I am honored to be his mom. 

So handsome!

Happy, Happy 21st Birthday My Love.  May you know today and always how important you are.  My heart beats with yours and my thoughts are forever with you.  As you grow and need your parents less and less, please remember that I will never (and can never) stop being your "Mommy".

P.S.  If I sound a little sentimental, it's because I am.