Andrew's 10th Birthday

January 12, 2004, I entered my OB office, waited for 30 minutes, was finally seen by my doc who sent me directly to labor and delivery where Andrew Micah Childs was born just two hours later.  This boy--- pre-teen!!!--- has been surprising me ever since. Every person in our home is blessed to share his company.

Last year, we celebrated with a birthday party, Check-E-Cheese style.  Just a few days later, the babies ended up in the hospital with RSV.  Knowing that there are so many illnesses going around and that a 10th birthday is a special kind of deal, we decided to celebrate with a steak dinner (at the request of the birthday boy) and then, atop the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO.

The drive west from Louisville was... well...  let's just say it encouraged the city girl in me.  St. Louis, at the other end of the stretch of interstate, was a fantastic city to visit.

With three toddling babies, we do less traveling than we used to.  But this trip was great and easier than expected (whew!).  There have been new challenges when booking a hotel due to the fact that we have to have room for three pack-and-plays and four bed-sleepers.  The hotel I found online was within walking distance of the Arch and had reasonably priced suites with plenty of room for everyone.  There was also a wonderful breakfast buffet that was included with the room price.  That combined with a 2:00 p.m. checkout time made this a place we would stay again.

The evening of our arrival, we went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse, Andrew's favorite place to eat.  We found one outside the city and arrived early.  There was a mishap in the wait time estimation and after waiting, waiting, and more waiting, Micah and I began making a plan B.  He very kindly communicated our intent to make an alternative dining plan with the hostess.  He is very sympathetic to those in the restaurant business and he is always kind and effectively diplomatic to staff with the children and me as his priority.  However, when the manager was alerted, he intervened and went above and beyond to make amends for their mistake.  I mean, way beyond.  What started out to be a challenge and disappointment became a blessing that neither Micah, me, or Andrew (for that matter) will soon forget.  God used these circumstances to bless us all and remind us that He is above all and seeks to provide for us in unexpected ways.

Andrew and Loads of Chocolate~  What a way to celebrate!

The next morning, on Andrew's actual birthday, we ascended the Arch.  Some of us conquered fears of enclosed spaces and others of heights, but the trip up the 630 ft. incline was worth it.

At the Top of the Arch

The Underground Museum

Micah and I are so thankful for Andrew and the ten years we have shared with him.  Andrew trusts  in Jesus and is beginning to live a life of repentance and belief, to our joy.  As I walk along side him, pointing him beyond me, beyond this life, to Love that never fails, these are words I want to ring in his ears:

So keep to the old roads
Keep to the old roads
And you'll find your way
~
Go back, go back to the ancient paths
Lash your heart to the ancient mast
And hold on boy, whatever you do
To the hope that's taken hold of you
And you'll find your way
You'll find your way
If love is what you're looking for
The old roads lead to an open door
And you'll find your way
You'll find your way
Back home
Andrew Peterson, "You'll Find Your Way"

It is humbling when a child becomes a brother.  We pray for many more years with Andrew, as God weaves him into His story.