Today the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  Eight years ago it was a different story.  It was so cold and snowy. I remember this because I watch people plow sidewalks and helicopters land outside of my hospital window as I sat holding my newborn baby boy. I can not even go into all that I have learned in the last eight years of being a parent.  I think the most important lesson I have learned is that people are born with a certain personality. Noah is about 90% of me and 10% of his father.  He is reserved, often quiet, and hates to be the center of attention.  However he loves sports and is very competitive.  The best thing we can do as parents is to help our children become the best they can be by encouraging their positive qualities and guiding them through the tough stuff. As the oldest Noah has shown me a lot of first and all of us are learning together. I am proud to be his mom and so excited to see what the years ahead have in store for us!