It's a big week for him

On this day in 1998 I was on my way home from the hospital all googly eyed. I didn't want to leave, I wanted to stay there with my sister, brother-in-law and new nephew. I had just gotten home from college two weeks prior to his birth. I like to think he waited just for me!

For the next three months, I spent an insane amount of time cuddling and loving MJ. I think I went a little overboard buying him clothes and toys and snapping his picture. My sister was totally gracious in letting me take an active part in as an aunt to her boys. Because of that, they hold a special place in my heart.

Now that he's 11, the time cuddling and loving on him have stalled. It's not cool for a hockey player have his aunt come up and love on him. I totally ruin his game.

If turning 11 wasn't the coolest part of the week, MJ made the news last night. The principal at his school bet the kids that if they raised $10,000 for the school, she would spend 24 hours on the roof. They raised $17,000 and she's spending the night on the roof.

The news interviewed MJ. He "hoped that it rained and that she didn't fall off."

Just for that, I think he needs 11 spankin's today.

Happy birthday MJ. I've loved you from the first moment I knew you'd be in our lives. My heart got a little bit bigger when you came into it. It seems like just yesterday I was holding you at church on that first Sunday, just watching you sleep. I love watching you play hockey and hit on the girls at school. You are growing up so fast. It is an honor to be in your life, to watch you grow into who God wants you to be. I am so blessed to be your aunt.

MJ's on the right.