Five.

5 years ago. 

5 years ago I counted 5 little fingers on a little hand, followed by 5 more. 

5 years ago I counted 5 little toes on a teeny foot, followed by 5 more.

5 years ago I went from being just your average 18 year old kid, to being a mom.

5 years ago, Tom and I went from being boyfriend and girlfriend to husband and wife to mommy and daddy.

5 years ago we became a family.

One of our only family photos. Thomas is our only child with one.

5 years ago, I was in the most pain I had ever experienced. 

5 years ago that same pain was the most pleasurable experience of my life.

5 years ago my sweet baby boy was born.

4.5 minutes old.

5 years ago this weird little blob was laid upon my chest and the most intense love and happiness washed over me.

5 years ago I found this weird little blob to be the most intense, beautiful person I had ever seen.

5 years ago, while he laid upon my chest, my life had purpose for the very 1st time.

Only photo of us together alone in the hospital.

5 years ago I had so many expectations.

5 years ago I just knew what kind of mom I'd be. 

5 years ago, I had so many plans.

1st Feed.

5 years ago, I planned on nursing for one year.

5 years ago, I swore I'd never co-sleep.

5 years ago, I planned on doing everything just right.

5 years ago my goal was to give this little guy nothing short of the very best.

5 years ago, I saw a little boy with his mother's eyes.

5 years ago, I saw a little boy with his daddy's long fingers and toes.

5 years ago, I saw a little boy with his Nana's hair line.

5 years ago, I had no idea what his sweetness would be like at one month.

5 years old wasn't even on the radar.

5 years ago, he was nothing less of perfection. 

5 years ago, we were able to celebrate our 1st holidays as a family.

5 years ago, we had the cutest pumpkin in the patch.

5 years ago, we noticed the beauty of Autumn for the 1st time.

5 years ago, we already had the greatest gift one could ever receive.

5 years ago, he was all mine.

5 years ago, I didn't have to share him with the school system, friends, or family.

5 years ago, I didn't need a reason to keep him to myself.

5 years ago, the only person I willingly shared him with was his daddy.

5 years ago....

Since 5 years ago, has grown quite a bit.

He grew a ton in just the 1st year.

By his 2nd birthday, he was no longer "the baby". 

He was now a full-fledged toddler.

By the time his 3rd birthday rolled around he was no longer our "one and only".

He took on the role of "big brother" as well. 

A role he took on very well.

When his 4th birthday came, he was expecting another sibling.

A little sister. 

And he was beyond excited he would be big enough to help this time. 

Just a couple days after his 4th birthday he also started preschool, which he loved. 

"4" was a big year for Thomas, he went from being just a little boy, to being a preschooler. 

Now, my sweet 1st born baby is 5.

He is now a kindergarten student.

He has two younger siblings who look up to him.

He is the most compassionate little boy I have ever met. 

He hates to see people in pain or upset.

He will always offer a hug.

He is so smart and has an intense love of learning.

Both of which will do him well in kindergarten.

5 years have gone by, and my love for this boy has grown deeper and stronger with each passing moment.

5 years and I thoroughly miss him when he isn't in my presence.

5 years and I still catch myself watching him sleep.

5 years and I still check in on him in the middle of the night. 

Every night.

5 years together, and looking forward to the rest of my lifetime with him.

5 years.