Happy Birthday, Ryan!

  The day was August 14, 2003. A sunny day. Barely a cloud in the sky. The breaking news that day was new about the power outage in New York City. I was dressed in painting clothes. Started my day by painting two toy shelves for my baby who was due on the 18th. I decided not to shower that morning since I was going to be painting and I'd get to that as soon as I was done. Around noon I realized I was late for my OB appointment. No time for showers (Eww!) and no time for lunch. I raced off to my appointment. I'll leave my stuff out. I'll be back in an hour or two. Little did I know!

   Later that evening I got to meet and hold my sweet baby boy in my arms. Instant love! Although the night before we were to leave the hospital it hit me that we have to take this tiny baby home and there won't be a nurse coming with me to help!! God gave me the perfect first born baby. Ryan was so happy and smart and loved being around others. I couldn't stand not having him with me. The first time David took me on a date when Ryan was 8 weeks old I cried as we drove away. I felt SO guilty. I never really understood how deep a mother's love for her child goes until I had my own.

   Ryan is my buddy, my way too clever Ry-ry. He is starting 3rd grade this fall. Today he turns 8 years old. Where has the time gone? I am SO proud of him and SO blessed that I get to be his mom. I couldn't have asked for more except maybe the time to go by a little slower.