Happy 11th Birthday Ethan!

Happy 11th Birthday to my Ethan! It is hard to believe that 11 years have already come and gone and my first baby is 11! I think back 11 years ago and we were so young. Too young some would say to be having our first baby. I was two months shy of turning 21 and Dan was 26. After over 20 hours of labor followed by an unexpected c-section and some drama in between we were blessed with the most beautiful baby boy. I remember the nurse bringing him into my room around 4am for the first time and handing him to me. I remember feeling nervous and thinking "what am I suppose to do with him?" He was so tiny weighing in at 6lbs and 3ozs. He quietly slept as I began to unwrap him from his blanket and examine his ten little fingers and toes. It was just the two of us.

On June 27, 1997 he blessed me with the amazing gift of motherhood. I have always said that it is because of Ethan that I knew I wanted more children. Never could I have imagined how much love I would feel for this tiny little person. How could love possibly be that instant? But it was. He taught me patience(which I was in desparate need of) when I was struggling to figure out how to soothe him. He taught me to how to "enjoy the moment" when it was 3am and I was so exhausted. He slept quitely on my chest in complete peace. He taught me "joy" when he smiled his first smile. He taught me "unconditional love" the very moment he was born.

Through the years he continues to teach me. At 11 years old he is still kind, loving, and affectionate. He still comes up to me and hugs me during the day for no reason. He still tells me "I love you" every day. He will ask (almost every day) "do you need help with anything?" He is a good student, a good friend, and most of the time a good brother. He loves to play and watch soccer. That is his sport! He is a wonderful son and I love him so very much!