Happy Birthday, Declan!

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

(Warning: Severe sappiness ahead!)

Happy Birthday, my sweet, evil, Monkey-Boy Kangaroo-B^tt Decky-Ducky-Doggie.

I remember like it was yesterday bringing you home, a ragged bundle of fear covered with every possible bodily effluent all tangled up in dirt and burrs, dropping you in the tub and soaping you up while you peered up at me with those big expressive eyes asking, "Is it okay? Is it okay?" Toweling you off and seeing your beautiful red curls for the first time while you stared wide-eyed at Lachlan and then up at me again, "Is it okay?"

The look on your big brother's face when I carried you through the front door brought tears to my eyes. It still does sometimes. He worshiped you the moment he first saw you, you know. He still does.

I remember that first night sitting at my computer and crying, wondering what what I'd done, terrified to let Lachlan play with you, and seeing those wonderful people at Doodlekisses tell me over and over again "It's okay, it's okay" until I could take a deep breath and let him loose to meet you, let him tell you himself "It's okay."

You two have been inseparable since that first night, so like brothers in all ways. You play together, argue together, gang up on me together, and tell each other that it's okay. Sometimes, when we do or see something new, you still ask me with those eyes, "Is it okay?" But sometimes now, when I'm tired or down or afraid, somehow it has become your turn and those eyes turn up to mine and say "It's okay, mama, it's okay."

Little big man, I don't wonder what I've done anymore. I can't imagine having not done it. You complete our family in more ways than I can describe and all I can say is, "Yeah, it's very okay."

Oh, and get outta the trash can!
 

[BG and Gavin]

OMD I remember that yappy hour like it was yesterday.  I can't believe it has been nearly a year!  Declan has turned into one handsome dood.  Happy Birthday!

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Declan! You're gorgeous!

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Thank you guys so much! I wish I could express to you how grateful I am for all of your support, knowledge, wisdom, and humor.

[Becka]

A very happy birthday to you, Declan! You have grown into such a beauty!

[Leslie and Halas]

I remember that Yappy Hour, too! Happy Birthday, Declan!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Happy Birthday Declan! I remember the night your momma brought you home. She was so nervous. and now look at you, all grown up and fitting in nicely with your family.

Jen, I have a weak spot for Declan because you got him the same way I got Winnie. I'm glad he's brought you so much happiness. You did a good thing by taking him into your loving home. :)

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Happy Birthday, Declan.  You are absolutely beautiful.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Happy Birthday, Declan! You're a beautiful boy and you've made your family very happy!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What a lucky lucky boy you are and handsome as well.  Love the progression pics.  Happy birthday big boy and DK from Lucy and Sophie!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awww....I love this blog and I remember so clearly when you brought him home and your discussion in Yappy Hour. I am so glad you brought him home :) This blog made me feel good...thank you!