Seven years my son...

Seven years ago, my son, you left my tummy where you used to kick me like crazy. We called you kicky monster because of that reason. I used to have my headphones on my tummy playing classical music when I worked and you would rest and roll. When you were hungry boy was I hungry. Seven years ago you decided to come 10 days early. It was cold, like this year and it had just snowed. We phoned your 'red grandma' at 1:30 am and she dressed and drove over to keep your daddy calm. Mommy was ready, and eager to see your face to know you. I was eager to finally hold my son.

Unfortunately you didn't want to come out just yet and 19 hours later you still refused to enter this world which included 2 hours of pushing. The doctors were worried. You were a good size for my small frame and after a tough decision I was told I had to go to surgery. I cried because I didn't want to but I wanted you to be safe. My family and some of daddy's family anxiously waited hour after hour wringing their hands. They all had tears as they wheeled you and I into the room.

7:57 pm you were born and crying. Your cry started my cry. You were out and seemed fine, but I wasn't. No one told me that, no one wanted to worry me. Daddy didn't want to leave me so the nurses took you out to see your red grandma and PapPap, my sisters (your aunts) and your now uncle Bill and one of daddy's brothers. I saw video later that grandma held you first. Still to this day she comments on how you looked into her eyes like you knew her immediately. She said she knew you were different.

While family got to know you the doctors worked to save me. You were wedged and mommy was bleeding. The doctors were good, they gave me a transfusion and saved me. I am forever grateful for that.

Since that day I have taken each second to cherish with you. I reveled in your first smile, first laugh, first step and so many firsts that I can't even begin to list them all. You grew fast and strong and ate well and slept even better. I was blessed that day and every day since.

My love for you is larger than I can even begin to describe. I've watched you grow from a baby that would lay in my arms to feed at all hours of the day to a crawling maniac to a toddling boy. I've seen you stretch taller and start soccer and t-ball and love them all. I've been in awe of your photographic memory, math skills from age 2, your deep compassion, your incredible sense of humor and huge zeal for life. You have the best laugh and say things every day that make me smile. I don't know what I did to deserve having you in my life but it must have been really good.

Today my son you entered my life and forever changed it. I thank God every day for giving you to me. I love you and no matter how big you get, you will always be my little boy.

(To forewarn my blog friends, I will be doing a photo montage of my son later today. Not a ton but at least one from each year of his life.)