We Made It!!

My Dearest Jack,
   As I sit here reflecting on this past year, I feel so many emotions at once.  Your first birthday has come and gone with so many truly wonderful memories.  And although this past year may have been one of the most challenging in your Dad and I's lives, having you in our lives also made it the best one ever.  Here is our story:

One year ago, on a Saturday evening, your Dad and I were enjoying the company of our dear friends, Mark and Brigitte.  I started feeling contractions, but your Mom can be VERY stubborn and I insisted that they were nothing but a false alarm.  

The contractions continued without any real consistency, but by Monday morning, I was concerned because I didn't feel you moving as much as your usually did (you were a wild one in there!).  I called the hospital around 10 in the morning on Monday, July 26, and they told me to come in for fetal monitoring to make sure you were okay.

Once there, I was surprised to find out that I was already dilated almost 5 centimeters!  I couldn't believe we were on our way to having you one week early!  I was excited, scared, and elated all at the same time.  Your aunts, uncles, cousins, and Nana and Papa rushed to the hospital, but you decided that you were not in any real hurry to come out.

Around 6 p.m., we had a bit of a scare when you descended too quickly and your heart rate plummeted.  I also lost a lot of blood.  Luckily, we had a great team of nurses and they were able to stabilize both you and me.

Finally, after almost 3 hours of pushing, you were born on July 26, at 10:12 p.m.  You weighed 7 lbs, 14.8 ounces.  It was love at first sight for your dad and me.

Your Dad and I decided to do something that wasn't too smart: we moved, changed/lost jobs, and had a baby all at the same time!  We literally drove you from the hospital in Newport to our new home in Temecula.  But now, after a year has gone by, I can definitely say that it is the best thing we ever did.  You LOVE your aunt, uncle, cousins, and Nana and Papa and they are all so close by.  You see one or all of them on a weekly or daily basis and it makes Daddy and I realize that we did the right thing in moving here.  

Here are some highlights of your special day today:

You got your first pair of TOMS shoes (like Mother like Son!)

Oh, and your first "tattoo" at your friend Elizabeth's 1st birthday party...you are SO cool!

You got to have maple syrup on your french toast sticks this morning.

I can probably fit one more bite in my mouth, Mom.

You are one VERY loved little boy.  You spent almost the ENTIRE day with your aunt, uncle, cousins, Nana and Papa!  They were over at 8:30 this morning to give you gifts, sing Happy Birthday to you, and they even took you to BJ's to have your first Pizookie!!! 

Thank you for this beautiful ribbon, Aunt Alyssa!

You mean there's more?!

Hehehehe!

This paper is such a nice gift!

Oh, what is that?!

It's a big, red, Dixie dog!  I LOVE it!

AND a handmade card?!  Wow!

MORE?!

What's in there, Nana?

Hmmmmm....

As if Pizookie wasn't enough, Nana and Papa brought you your very own red velvet bundt cake!

You are quite the walker now!

You LOVE giving your cousins rides on your scooter:

You crack us up!:

What does this shirt say?

I love spinning...I think!

I am having mixed emotions about this thing getting put into storage, even though I haven't been it for 3 months!  It is still a fun toy!

You have taken a liking to watching Top Gear and soccer with Daddy...oy vey!

Your two most favorite toys are still:

The vacuum

And Dixie girl...

You are a big boy now.  We flipped your mattress over to the "Toddler Side":

Happy birthday my sweet toddler boy!

Sweet Dreams!

Here is to the next year of growing, learning, laughter, tears, and happiness!
Your 1-year stats are:
WEIGHT: 24.5 lbs (75th percentile)
HEIGHT: 30.25 inches (66th percentile)
HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE...wait for it...:
48.5 centimeters...97th percentile!!!  We have a winner (or at least a very large noggin!)