Happy 1st Birthday, Ezekiel!

A year ago today, at 4:39 am, I woke up, went to the bathroom, and began to wonder if I was having contractions. I got out the timer Jeremiah had downloaded and began to keep track of the "pains" I was experiencing. About 40 minutes later, when they continued to occur, I woke up Jeremiah and told him what was going on. They continued to become more consistent and I think around 6:00 or 6:30 am I decided to get up and take a shower to prepare to go to the hospital. Dutifully, I sent Jeremiah off to walk the dog we were still walking at the time. He did not want to leave me, but I asked him to go anyway because I knew we'd be missing the next few days! He left and I decided to call the nurse to see what she recommended. She called me back, explained that my doctor was sick (boo!) and that I should go ahead and head to the hospital -- agh! I was getting pretty nervous, but so far the pain wasn't bad at all. I was afraid I'd get to the hospital and they'd send me back home. 

Getting ready to check in at the hospital! 

We checked in around 8 am and once we got signed in, and they finally found our paperwork, and we got set up, the nurse told me I was a "keeper"... we were going to meet our baby boy soon! 

A mere 4 hours and 22 minutes later we met this precious face! And our lives have been forever changed!

6 lbs. 11 oz. of squeezable fun! 

This past year has been such a life-changing, humbling, gratifying, and wonderful year! I never knew your heart could nearly ache with love until I met and held Ezekiel for the first time. I consider myself so blessed to have experienced the miracle that is growing, carrying, delivering, and raising a child.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." Psalm 127: 3-5

The first month, it passed in a blur of crying - both baby and mom;  

Changing diapers, snuggle time, and wondering what was wrong. 

February 27, 2012 

Month two blew in and we took you on your first trip to the zoo. 

The weather was nice, we went for walks, and dressed you up in blue.  

March 27

In month three we celebrated Daddy's birthday and your first Easter. 

You watched me run a race and got dedicated at church, by the preacher. 

April 27

In your fourth month, you traveled to Kansas and New York by plane. 

You went to two weddings, took your first swim, and some weight you did gain. 

May 27

You started eating solid foods *bananas!* in month number five. 

We went to the zoo and a baseball game, things were starting to jive! 

June 27

Month six came along, you ate more food, and saw your first fireworks show. 

You started playing in your jumperoo and it filled you with such joy! 

July 27 

In August, month seven, we moved to a brand new state. 

It was a long trip, two days of driving, but you did so great! 

August 27

The eighth month was exciting because you learned to sit all on your own. 

You started saying "da da" and playing the piano. 

September 27

You learned to use a fork and army crawl in month nine. 

We carved Halloween pumpkins and you swung for the first time. 

October 27

You signed "more" for the first time in month number ten. 

You had your first Thanksgiving and ate a green onion. 

November 27

Eleven came with Christmas celebrations and your first snow. 

You pulled yourself up, said "ma ma", and your curly hair did grow. 

December 27

Month twelve: you are crawling fast and playing with your toys. 

I can't believe that you are one. I love my little boy! 

 To life... full of birthday preparations and celebrations!