happy 5th birthday {to our Riah boy}

Little Riah,

Today you turn 5, and I catch my breath.  Where have these years flown?  I look at this picture below, and remember the most sweet pregnancy.  I felt happy, energetic, and at times forgot I was even pregnant.  You would scare me at times with how calm you were.  I wondered during those nine months if it would be a direct reflection of who you would be.

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You joined our world, you enhanced our family.

We took a week and a half to name you.  It drove people crazy.  Since you loved to be swaddled constantly, we lovingly named you, “Burrito Joe” for that first week.  :)

After much time and consideration (and nearly going insane on my part), you were named Xavier Yuriah Zwolinski (XYZ).  We wanted to call you Yuriah (light/flame of God), and we did for the first couple months.  Since Adin was two, he could only say “Riah.” It kinda stuck.

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You had this amazing black hair that usually stood straight up.

We were all so crazy about you.

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I found this photo archived and it was titled, “family chaos.”

Having our new “3z” was a new dynamic, but you made it seem so easy.  You were mild mannered, calm, and loved to sleep- which was the exact opposite of your older sister and brother.

I spent a lot of time in prayer…thanking God for his mercy.  :)

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Did I mention that we fell in love with you?  We did.  Madly.

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This is the day you got the nickname “chip.”  Moments after I took this photo, Priya held you, and then accidentally dropped you.  Your front tooth still has the little chip in it.

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And now….

you are still the same baby to me.

Happy, sweet, carefree (with a dash of rambunctious.)  And I don’t know that I would call you “calm” anymore….maybe “bouncy” would replace that.  :)

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You have such a generous heart….always wanting to give, rarely making a fuss about not getting the same as someone else.

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Your best friends are your family, and they love you just as much.  And even though you are third in line, you always seem to teach us a lesson or two.

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You are a permanent smile, and a walking sunshine.

I can’t tell you how many days your simple smile has changed my outlook on life.

You are an incredibly special boy.

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Happy birthday to you Riah, my 5 year old sweetie.  My prayer is that you grow up with the same sweet spirit, compassion, and loving smile that you have today.

love you,

Mama