Happy Birthday, Baker!

On Friday, my sweet boy turned one. I remember that day last year so well. I remember getting up very early that morning, after not much sleep to head to the hospital. I was both nervous and excited as Sean and I checked in, filled out my paperwork and prepared to meet our son.

Sometime after 7am, I was all hooked up and being monitored. I was having a scheduled c-section after having had one with Saylor. This time I felt more at ease, knowing how things were going to go. Around 9am,  I was rolled into the OR, given a spinal and almost immediately, things were rolling. Within minutes, Sean was by my side, and a few minutes later, at 9:35am, I heard that sweet, precious cry. The one that allows you to finally release the breath you've been holding, the cry that answers all the prayers you've prayed. As he was being pulled out, the nurse made me laugh by telling me he already had leg rolls! And leg rolls he did... weighing in at 8lbs 9oz, he was a big boy.

The first time I met my son.

After that, it was almost a blur. I was rolled to recovery where Sean brought him to me to nurse. I snuggled him into me, and in those moments, the feelings are so overwhelming. Just like that, my heart expanded. It's amazing really, the way our hearts have the capability to grow. To feel such huge, raw emotion for a tiny little person nestled in our arms. I feel certain it is one of God's many gifts... the ability to enlarge our heart, to make room for one more, to love them more than you ever knew possible. As I met my son, I was sure my heart may explode. What an amazing joy it is to become a mother. To meet your child face to face for the first time. 

Since that sweet day, Baker has been the perfect addition to our family. He is both tough and sweet. He is all boy and wild, and mellow and easy going. He is a joy to be around. He makes us laugh and smile constantly. He loves trucks, cars and balls. He growls and throws balls and loves to chase things. He giggles and loves to play with his sisters.

This year, watching you learn and grow, has been such a huge blessing! I pray you keep your adventuresome spirit and your sweet nature. I pray that you always know just how much you are truly loved. That your mommy and daddy are so proud of you and will always be here cheering you along your journey. I pray that you know our Jesus, and that He loves you with every bit of Him, even more than we can imagine. I pray that you will always know what a gift you truly are. 

I love you, darling son. You stole my heart the day you were born and continue to run away with it every single day. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Baker. I love you.

Mommy