To a boy who taught me the value of human life.

To a boy who puts it all in perspective.

To a boy who makes me a better theologian.

To a miracle.

I remember thinking that this day last year was the worst day of my life. It was hard. But look at us now!

Happy Birthday. I love you.

When you have a bald baby boy, thin as a rail, with a huge head … do you really have a choice? His costume seemed like a no-brainer to me.

You know those bloggers who post picture-perfect smiling (never-snotty) children and groomed Brittany Spaniels next to a bible verse? And you get annoyed because you are like “who is that perfect.”? But you keep reading?

Enter our family’s pumpkin patch photos! I had grand hopes of recreating the 2010 patch photo shoot – this time with a smiling baby in a “picture-perfect” shot. But Riddles did not have that in mind. You will not be annoyed by these family photos. Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Riddles! Riddles! It’s time to take pictures!

Oh good job! You looked up! But mom wasn’t ready. Let’s try again.

There is a pumpkin on your head – look up at it, kid!

Look two pumpkins – now let’s smile!

TWO PUMPKINS. THAT’S FUNNY. Only funny to mom? OK. Moving on.

Yeah, mom looks great here.

Look at the camera, Riddles!

Why so … suspicious?

No really, what is over there? This is the best pic we got. Not bad.

(Patch 2010)

Here’s Riddles looking through an apple slice by the stem that came out with a perfect little circle. He thought it was funny. This is for you AnAppleaDay.

Riddles is the apple of my eye.

Ridley turned from 10 to 11 months on 10-11-11.

These photo shoots are getting harder and harder.

“Sorry, but it’s too late for you to take a nap. You missed your chance, Riddles!” – Husbanks

... five minutes later …

So … when you round a corner and see me do you burst into laughter?

Thanks for the walker, Keri!