A Story of The Great Bambino Who is 5...

Today is our Kaelster's 5th Birthday.

You guys... FIVE!

Before I burst into tears on this, the anniversary of our big boy making us parents, let me share with you a bit of information about Kael, and his name, trivial pursuit style...

When we were deciding on names for Kael, along side his birth mom, we put "Cael" on the list knowing only one guy (by name and reputation) that was completely rad and had this name that we loved.  As you know when some one has had an ill experience in their life with a person who bears the name they are considering for their first born, it merits an immediate "scratch off the list".  Naming people is HARD.  And Kael is one we consider to be masculine, not common but not unknown, and it leaves a good taste in your mouth.  :)

Cael Sanderson is the most decorated collegiate wrestler of all time.  He was Utah born and small town raised and he went on to win gold in the Olympics.  Sports Illustrated named his undefeated wrestling record as the number two most impressive achievement in collegiate sports.  The guy's a machine is what we're trying to get across, and sports has played a big role in Ryan's life and my life; so a sports figure as a role model for our first fearless son seemed fitting.

Also of note, are my parents names, Carl & Gail.  Now listen, everybody loves their parents, but I stand firm in saying that Carl and Gail deserve a namesake if anyone ever did.  So "Cael" seemed like a nice way to honor them, as well as to pass along to our son their work ethic, their positive energy, their vigor and all the good that they stand for.  And boy-howdy does he love them.

Finally, we landed at "Kael" with Lindsay, Kael's biological mother.  We changed the spelling to a K, we ended it with an L, which is obvious, but also gives a nod to his birth mama.  And the short strong nature of the name is similar to her dad's, who is one of the world's finest, and BAM... We had ourselves THE name to call our little ball of fire.  And we've never looked back since.

Why do I bring this up?  Because sometimes you reminisce about something and it all just hits you, all at once, in the best possible way.  This little man, who is growing older at mach speed, embodies all those forces from all those exceptional people whom we considered when we were searching for his name...

He is strong and determined and he is SUCH a hard worker.  If you research "Kael" you will find that it is a masculine Celtic name meaning "Mighty Warrior".  If you need a job done - just ask our little warrior, Kael, to do it.  This boy will work circles around people.  He LOVES to be busy and productive and he refuses to be discouraged by the amount of effort necessary to achieve something.  

He is funny.  Ridiculously loud and hilariously mischievous and vocal and quick to laugh and FUN-NY!  His jokes right now are of the typical boy/toilet variety, but he's also in a phase where he likes to call people by something other than their actual name (Face for Ace or Tax for Dax) and he just basically cracks himself up with his wit lately. It's something that keeps us smiling and rolling our eyes at our little comedian.

He has moments where his insight will bowl you over.  The questions he asks!  The concern he has about things you never ever thought he noticed or paid attention to.  The love he has for his brothers, albeit sometimes displayed in an overly physical fashion; he cares deeply for his family and friends.  He has a way of looking for and pointing out simple truths that help us all see the mark more clearly.

He is all the best of everyone who had a part in shaping his name and then some.  And having him in our family has been the start of so much good and love.  So, now you know just a few of the reasons that Kael, our mighty warrior with the multiple namesakes, and the world's biggest five-year-old heart, captured ours five short years ago.

Kael/Kaelster/Big K/Horsepower... It's been five years... not long -- but long enough to know, that you are everything we ever wanted in our eldest son and our first baby love.  To be your mama is one of my greatest blessings and we wish you the happiest birthday a boy could ever have!

We're celebrating YOU today, Big Guy...

Love you forever & always.