As Braden’s first birthday approaches I am becoming more and more nostalgic to relive this time last year. The end of pregnancy is such a daunting time.. All you can think about is wanting him/her here. But looking back, I wish I would have relished in that last month a little bit more. I miss it terribly these days. I miss giving labor! What a strange thing to miss. But I would do it all over again if i could. I still remember every moment of those last few hours. True, it was a horrid thing to have my epidural fall out, and to casually vomit a few times. But, it was all worth it to lead up to the most beautiful moment of Braden making his first appearance into the world.
I remember I pushed for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
I remember feeling my stomach with my right hand as it was slowly going down, as Braden slowly was making his way out.
I remember my sister crying out his name, “Braden!”.
I remember looking at his dad in disbelief that he survived.
And I remember finally getting to hold Braden after what felt like an eternity.
To hold your baby for the time is something you only get to experience once. And I hope I remember that moment for the rest of my life.
Braden, you are my miracle baby and I love you eternally.
Your mama xoxo

 

Birthdays. So many first birthdays have approached. The year flew by so quickly. I can’t believe this is the month I can officially call my baby a baby. Well, Braden will always be my baby.

We’ve been blessed to celebrate a few first birthday parties so far. It’s always so fun to watch Braden interact with his friends. He is quite the social butterfly! He loves every person that comes across them – welcoming everyone with a smile and maybe even a slight giggle.

My sister and I took Braden to Camp Snoopy (https://www.knotts.com). Of course, it happened to be the hottest day of the year. But, I lathered Braden down with some SPF, his trusty hat and away we went. He absolutely LOVED meeting the Easter Beagle, riding the balloon ride and smiling for the camera. He was a little apprehensive about the loud roller coaster noises and H A T E D the camp bus ride. It had a slight drop where it made your tummy flip, and I had no idea that was going to happen! I felt so bad because he truly was excited to be sitting in the “bus” and then the first drop happened. Those little tears came streaming down his face so fast. I felt terrible, and the worst part was I couldn’t do anything about it! I have newfound love for https://disneyland.disney.go.com. I feel like that would have never happened in Fantasyland…but to each their own! All in all, it was fun but I don’t think we will be going back for another year 🙂

It was also Braden’s first easter this month. He genuinely loved the Easter Bunny….I thought for sure he was going to be terrified, but he thought he was the funniest thing he’s ever seen. I took Braden to a HUGE Easter Egg Hunt in San Clemente. It was really cute to “hunt” for eggs. Braden caught three eggs and placed them nicely in his basket. AH! I just love him so much. How cute is that!? We got to spend Easter Sunday with all of our family, and it was really awesome to see him play with his cousins. I hope they remain friends as time goes on.

Braden loves to say “bye bye”, “mama”, his version of “grandma” and “papa” and an occasional “dada”. It’s truly special to watch him learn the English language. I can ask him where his books and balls are, and he will go over and show me. He loves to throw his balls over the banister, watch me run down the stairs and throw them back up to him. It may be tedious but his laugh is worth every minute of it.

He has taken a real love for hugging. I even was able to tell him to give a friend a hug, and he did it! It was so sweet. I hope he stays this sweet forever.

Now I must get back to first birthday party planning. I am so excited….it’s a little crazy, but who cares! He’ll only turn 1, once!

I love you so much my little button

your mama xoxox