Eight years ago, at 5:43 am, my life was permanently changed.

Carter was born.

A few months later, we met Bob, Angela and Carter’s oldest friend Robby.

Even early on, he was reaching for the good stuff.

He’s explored high and low with me.

He didn’t sleep often, but when he did, it was soundly.

Eventually, he got some teeth.

And then he lost the teeth, but gained some hair.

Along the way, we made an important addition.

This morning, as requested, we woke him at the moment of his birth. He stumbled out into the living room.

Me: (wanting coffee) Ummm- should I make some breakfast or something?

Carter: Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going back to bed. It’s not even six o-clock yet.

Archie: I’m playing.

Carter and I headed back to bed, and as he was falling back asleep, he put his arm on my shoulder.

Carter: Mom? Today should really be “Things-I-Couldn’t-Do-Without-You Day” for us, shouldn’t it?