Happy Birthday Xander

Today is Phil's son's 3rd birthday.

 I know he would want to be there to see his little man growing up. It breaks my heart that he can't be. I look at my little boys and cannot imagine how hard it would be to not be there, how difficult for Xander's mom to raise him without his father's help, and how trying for Xander to not have his daddy there any longer.

My heart has been heavy much of the day, thinking of these things. I know his little mini-me had an awesome birthday party, and I am so happy for that.

Here are some photos of Phillip with his son...

I love this one because our father, Charlie would never have carried a baby in a baby carrier, so I love that Phillip is, and Xander looks so happy!

Some pics of him spending time with his little man. Phillip was not much of a smiler for photos, but I love that most of the photos of him smiling when he was older are the ones with his son. He was so proud of that boy!

I love these ones because it is one of the last times I saw Phillip, and also when I got to meet his son, the little boy he had told me so much about. This was at Trinity's 1st Birthday (July 2010). Xander was sure shy (runs in the family), but he sure clung to his daddy!

Add caption

 This is my favorite pic. Phil LOVED to play the guitar. As soon as he started learning in junior high, he would play a lot, for anyone. I love that this photo has him playing for his little man. It melts my heart every time I see it.

 And I also wanted to include this photo of Phillip as a little boy, because it reminds me of Xander.

 When my 6 year old saw it he was sure it was his little brother... and there is a resemblance in a few pics... do you see it?

Happy Birthday Xander! I hope you felt your daddy smiling down on you today (and always!)