This squishy, happy little fellow turned 9 this past Wednesday and I found myself traveling down memory lane, reflecting on who he was and who he is becoming. This picture captures his essence perfectly – he lives life to its absolute fullest, with a smile and a flash of intensity.

In Hawaii, he snorkeled in Honolua Bay with an underwater GoPro attached to him (thanks Uncle Steve and Aunt Jenn) and experienced wonder like he never had before. The wide array of colors reflected in the coral reefs off of Maui and the numerous species of fish that he could hardly fathom. What piqued his interest the most were the six sea turtles that he swam alongside and observed in their natural habitat.

He said it was the greatest experience of his life, of his nine years on this earth. I love watching him grow and question and challenge and open up windows into his mind. Happy Birthday Augustus Joseph, the one who made me a mama and fills me with joy everyday. May you have many, many more greatest experiences of your life and I hope I’m around to witness them with you!

Off to our BIG adventure tomorrow . . . Where I hope to see all of our kiddos experience something amazing!