Life of the Party!

Dear Brayden,

Tonight was your Uncle Tep's birthday party.  He threw a little party at your Grandparents' house and of course, you were invited.  In fact, you were the guest of honor (you always are).

There, you were not one bit shy.  You played with everyone that you crossed paths with and you were definitely the life of the party!  You were the only baby there, but that didn't bother you (or at least it didn't look like it bothered you).  Everyone told Mommy how much you've grown since the last time they have seen you (for most, it was only a few weeks).  What can I say?  You are definitely a growing boy... a healthy one at that!

The strobe lights and loud music didn't bother you.  In fact, you seemed to love it!  It definitely bothered Mommy though because I felt so bad for your poor little ears and if those strobe lights made Mommy dizzy, I assumed that it might have had the same effect on you.  Your Grandparents and I tried to keep you as far away from the music as we can, but it was inevitable.  Your Uncle Morn put you on his DJ turntables a few times and of course,  you loved it!  Mommy?  Not so much.  Your Grandparents tried to put you to bed because it was way past your bedtime (typically 7pm-8pm) but you weren't having it... you wanted to party!  I knew you were tired, but you were just trying to fight it.  You especially got happy when Alyssa (4 year old) finally came over.  You grabbed her hand and everything!  She loved you too!

Finally, Mommy couldn't stand knowing that you were tired but you couldn't sleep because of the music so we packed our things and called it a night.  Daddy stayed back to celebrate his baby brother's birthday, which is fine, especially because you were so peaceful and KNOCKED OUT the whole way home.  You were a perfect little angel!  You continued to sleep throughout the night because you were exhausted!  We didn't get home until around 10pm and that was the latest you've ever stayed out. 

You are quite the party animal, Brayden!  Nevertheless, I LOVE BEING YOUR MOM!

April 9th, 2012 - Your Birthday!

Dear Brayden,

April 9th, 2012 was the HAPPIEST day of my life!

Why?

Because this was the day that you and I met for the first time, face to face.  I was in labor for about 40 hours (I first went to the hospital on Saturday evening and you didn't arrive until that following Monday!).  You really wanted to stay in there, all warm and cozy, didn't you?  ;)

You finally arrived at 10:44am on Monday, April 9th, 2012.  You weighed a whoppin' 8 pounds and 9 ounces (as you can see in the picture) and you measured at a lengthy 22 inches!  No wonder I was having such bad back aches, especially toward the end of my pregnancy!  (You were so worth every little pain)  I initially got an epidural when I couldn't bare the contractions any more.  BUT... somehow, the epidural was flowing more towards my left side, to the point where I couldn't even move my leg or wiggle my toes on my left side.  I was told that if they continued the epidural, I wouldn't be able to walk for days!  Immediately, they stopped giving me any more epidural.  That magic juice typically wears off within one or two hours and I didn't have you until a good 12 hours later so I would consider myself having you naturally (yay me!).

Anyway, you arrived so safe and sound... perfectly!  You cried for only a few seconds but once they put your precious self on Mommy, you stopped crying and just looked up at me like you knew exactly who I was.  And THAT was the best moment of my life, thus far.

Brayden, I LOVE BEING YOUR MOM!!

8 lbs, 9 oz - 22 inches long

BIG FEET like his Momma!

My HAIRY baby!

My sweetheart... love him so much!