29 years ago ...

It was a Saturday morning (8 days before his due date), about 24 hours after I had taken a misstep and then actually bounced down a flight of uncarpeted stairs leading to our second floor apartment, when Jesse was born at 8:17 a.m., all eight pounds and 20 inches of him! And he wasn't a girl ~ we didn't have routine ultrasounds back then, and for some reason I just assumed I was having a girl. But I was not one bit disappointed!
I love this picture (above) of Jesse! Can you see the kite way way up in the top right corner of the picture? Kites have always been a favorite with Jesse, from the time he was very very young. We didn't always have the best of luck with our kites back then, though ~ kind of like Charlie Brown! But this is the kite he was flying at White Sands, back in March when we visited El Paso. I love to see you smile like this, Jesse!

I'm so glad you get to be in the good ole USA for your birthday this year ... what a difference a year can make! Your beautiful family must be really grateful about that too. This is a great picture of you guys!

For people who might be curious, Jesse's 15-month deployment to Iraq ended in November 2008 and he came home. While there, he drove the HET (the largest Army transport vehicle ever). He suffered a right knee injury and I believe he has been diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear. He is undergoing physical therapy to see if that can relieve his discomfort; but if not, he might have to see an orthopedic surgeon. He continues to do as much of his Army duties as his knee allows and is close to being promoted to sergeant. We are really proud of your service in the Army, Jesse, and all that you have accomplished in these last years. Even though you are safely home, I continue to pray that the Lord will keep you safe and that He will give you a heart that follows after Him all the days of your life.

Happy 29th Birthday, Jesse Christopher!