Happy birthday, sweet Asher.

Today, you are seven years old.

When I was admitted to the hospital 12 weeks before you were supposed to be born, I couldn't imagine having a 7-year old. At that point, my blood pressure skyrocketing and doctors telling me I'd need to deliver my baby within a few days, I couldn't even imagine having a healthy baby. Would you be able to survive being born so early?

And then after you were born, I could hardly imagine you without all the tubes and wires and monitors. I couldn't imagine you being outside of your incubator for longer than a few minutes without an alarm beeping to tell the nurses your body temperature had dropped because you didn't have enough fat on your body to keep yourself warm. After seven weeks in the hospital, I couldn't even imagine being able to have you at home with me.

1 day old

And then a year passed, and you were 1! On your first birthday, you still weren't walking, but you were full of life. What you were lacking in physical skills and size you made up for verbally. I couldn't imagine you walking and talking.

1 year old

And then another year passed, and you were two! You were walking - no, you were running - and talking and laughing. Those bright blue eyes and white-blonde hair lit up the room where ever you went. I couldn't imagine you changing from a baby into a "big boy".

2 years old

And then another year passed, and you were three! So smart, so handsome, and so funny! You knew all your letters and numbers, and soon you would start reading. I couldn't imagine having a little boy any more grown-up than you already were.

3 years old

And then another year passed, and you were four! You made us laugh all the time with your thoughtful questions and funny sense of logic in every day life. I couldn't imagine you old enough to start kindergarten.

4 years old

And then another year passed, and you were five! I couldn't imagine you outgrowing the preschool toys and TV shows you used to love, or preferring playing with your friends more than being at home with me. And I couldn't imagine you as the big brother now that your little brother Asa was on the way.

5 years old

And then another year passed, and you were six! I couldn't imagine you in "big kid" sized clothes and shoes. I couldn't imagine you any sweeter, kinder, or more thoughtful than you already were.

6 years old

And then another year passed.

You are seven years old.

7 years old

I couldn't have imagined how wonderful a big brother you would be. You are incredibly kind, sweet, and patient. You are so thoughtful and smart, so caring and loving. You are already showing a real talent for playing the piano, and you do so well in school. It's hard to imagine you getting any bigger than you already are! And when I think back to those first weeks of your life when you were so weak and tiny, I can't believe you are here today, 7 years old. I can't wait to see what this year brings! I love you so much! And even though you don't understand it when I say it, you will always be my baby boy.