What a Year!

Dear Jack:

Yesterday was August 28th and you my boy, turned one years old. What a year it's been! On your first birthday you awoke at 4 am and I in my sleep induced swagger, stumbled into your room to feed you your bottle. And as I sat there holding your little body in my arms, my mind wondered to where we were a year ago.

One year ago at 4 am on August 28th you were four hours old. Your entry into this world was not an easy one for either of us. You were very content in your the underwater world of the womb and you did not want to leave. You were two weeks late, you put your momma in 2 days of heavy labor and finally you said hello. But those first cries a mother waits to hear, did not escape your lungs, as you my boy were not breathing when you were born. The NICU team did an amazing job of bringing your lungs to life, and after they let me hold you for about 2 seconds they whisked you off to the NICU to put you on a respirator and to do some tests.

Finally at 4 am one year ago, on my way to the post partum unit, they wheeled me into the NICU so I could hold your fragile little body. You were so tiny. I didn't want to let you go. But alas, I had to go, and leaving you was very hard. But I knew you were in good hands. You were only 4 hours old, but you had a large population cheering for you.

Later on that day, you were taken off the respirator because you could breathe on your own. And were moved to another area of the NICU. You had to stay there a week and your father and I were there every day. Leaving you at the end of the day was the toughest part, but I knew it wouldn't be long until you would come home.

You were finally strong enough to come home, and surviving the NICU was nothing to surviving your big sister. She loves you so much, and though sometimes that love is shown by hugging you a little too tight around the neck or throwing toys at your head she really does love you. I spent the first 6 months of your life home with you and than I had to go back to work full time.

Though I don't get as much time with you as I would like, every moment with you Jack is amazing. You are growing up to be one funny little boy.

You have the biggest 4 teeth smile and the curliest brown hair. I can test how humid a day is by the curliness of your hair. You love music. Any kind of music, you smile, laugh and clap. Though as of late Pearl Jam appears to be your fave. Perhaps you will grow up and rock some awesome tunes on a guitar.

You also love to eat. I have yet to find a food you don't' like.

You my little boy have grown up very, very fast. You have smile that is contagious.

You've started walking and everything is an adventure. And there are so many other adventures awaiting you.

I look forward to getting to know you more. I love you Jack!

Mama