One decade ago

Andrew is a good, good boy. Yes he is.

When Andrew was a baby we would sing to him the "Good, good boy" song, which his mother must have penned in a peaceful moment between contractions. We sang that song right from the beginning. It always fit.

He got really sick once as a toddler. He had RSV, which is a common virus that can lead to cold-like symptoms in adults. But for babies, it can be serious. And for Andrew, it was.

While his temperature danced around 104, a nice nurse at Cox North recommended we request a transfer; she worried he wouldn't get the attention he'd need away from the specialists at Cox South. I rode with him on my lap in the ambulance. I don't ever remember feeling more vulnerable. I believe he spent five days in the hospital altogether. By chance or by force of will, he made it through.

And ever since, he's been on the move.

These days, Andrew seems to love all foods, all sports, and all music. He appears to be especially talented at swimming, riding his rip-stick, and singing. When we sing songs in the car, Andy is the one who is on key.

Andrew is known for always wearing his heart on his sleeve. He yells the loudest when he's hurt, but he also laughs the hardest. When I took him to the arcade today, he gave his little brother all of the toys he won.

He's a surprisingly bright kid, too. As a 4-year-old, his questions were always the toughest to answer.

Today, Andrew turns 10. I have to say it has been really fun watching him grow into such a smart, caring and active young man.

After he was born, he was released from the hospital on the 4th of July. In his first night at home, he fell asleep in his bed to the distant sound of fireworks. And, fittingly, the sound of a mother's new song.

We love ya, buddy. Happy Birthday!