On a Friday in March of 2004, I was having my 4th child. My last baby. Our family caboose. We didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl; we had names ready. Ian James Hall was born on his Great-Great Grandfather James Pearson's birthday. I spent Saturday lovin' on my newborn while Collin was busy at home teaching the kids to ride bikes w/o training wheels. That was a big weekend for us!

What an amazing little guy Ian has been. We are truly trying to enjoy everything that he brings (even though he can sometimes BRING a lot of craziness) and celebrate the little bittersweet things as they come. First it came in the form of weaning from breastfeeding; then taking down the crib; no more diapers (phew!); being rid of the high chair; and then, before we knew it, it was time to take off the training wheels for him.

Here he is in November 2008. So proud! Santa brought him a bigger bike that he loves just as much. Another bittersweet moment.

And then, just today, he mastered tying his shoes.
You know -- I didn't cry when the older three went to kindergarten, but lately I'm thinking a pound of bittersweet chocolate won't be enough to keep me from crying in September.