Sweet Sixteen or not?

Not wanting to throw off his Mommy's schedule, Austin Keith Arce Hallows arrived exactly on his due date and my mother's birthday, February 24, 1994 at 6:10am. Weighing in at a 9 lb. 8 oz. and measuring 21 1/2 long, he was no lightweight. He gave us all a struggle with 26 hours of labor.....it was exhausting. The first thing I noticed was his beautiful lips and nose...He won't agree with the nose thing, but it was cute back then. He had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, so much for the blond hair and blue eyed baby girl I always wanted....but nonetheless he was a wanted wonder to me.

This child has of mine has ceased to amaze me yet he wouldn't believe that with all the chores he thinks I make him do. Looking back....my fondest memories are:

He learned to read in kindergarten

He told me when he was 4 that he didn't like my attitude

He never stopped watching these three movies..."Space Jam", "Little Rascals" and any episode of "Barney"

He was a great baseball player at age 7 and he still is a great player...I love to watch him

He would want to sleep with me and when I wouldn't let him, he slept on the floor beside my bed, he still loves to sleep with me and I love it too!

People constantly come up to Steve and I, telling us how great of kid he is, that is music to a parents ears.

I can go on and on...but I won't bore you with the details of how grateful I am to be able to call Austin my son. Today, the boy stands 5"10", 145 lbs and size 13 feet.....

I had a suprise birthday party for him with all his friends....it was a suprise until he had to walk in and he knew something was up! I thought I did a great job and was pleased to be able to keep it from him for that long. They played water polo in the clubhouse and ping pong for hours...The kids didn't want to leave, I had to tell Austin to tell them, we have to go now......

Happy Birthday my sweet sixteen boy! We love you lots!