Happy Birthday Joseph

So 16 years ago today, my second son was born.  He came into the world before anyone but me was ready.  We expected to have a baby around 1-2 pm that day.  So my husband decided to run out and take care of a few of his vending locations.  Instead about 10 am things started getting interesting.  We had the worst nurse for any of my births.  She was fairly incompetent.  Fortunately about the time we were discussing if I wanted anything for pain, another nurse walked by and ended up coming in the room.  As they were talking, they decided since my doctor was right in the hospital to have him check and see how far along I was.  

So as he came in the room and was preparing to check me, I looked at my coach (my husband's sister-in-law) and said, "I think I am going to be sick."  But then I changed my mind and stated I needed to push.  About that time everyone started telling me not to push.  I asked for my coach to call my husband.  I had even wrote down all the numbers she needed to call before we went to the hospital.  But she was so focused on me, that I ended up calling my husband to tell him to get back to the hospital.  

So our son entered the world much earlier in the day than anyone expected.  This is my child that enjoys adventures with his older brother, is an instigator, and is up for a challenge.   He makes up his mind to do something and accomplishes his task.

He put his mind on becoming Eagle Scout and he achieved it.  Also as a result of his drive, his older brother received the rank of Eagle Scout the same day.  He is one of my children that loves to sing.  He is also the tallest in our family.  I will not be surprised if he reaches 7 feet tall by sheer drive and determination.  He loves his siblings including his baby sister and helps look after them even when he is tormenting them.

So happy 16th Birthday Joseph!  We love you!

Nathan's Birthday

So today is my youngest son's birthday.  Fourteen years ago today, he came into the world.   He was my one child whom I actually believed might enter this world with out any coaxing or intervention.  For a couple of weeks before he was born, I felt like he was on his way.  But that was not to be the case.

Instead on Friday, October 20, 2000, we went to the hospital to be induced.  We went in to the room.  My husband and his sister-in-law (his brother's wife -aka my coach for all four children) and I settled in.  It was typical labor for me in that I spent most of it on my side because of my blood pressure.  At some point during the morning the nurse wanted to check how far along I was, so my husband stepped outside of the room.  To our surprise, he found two of his aunts there because the daughter of one of the aunt's was in the room directly beside me.  Talk about interesting.  The nurses began taking bets on which one of us would deliver first (me on number 3 or her with her first).  He was my one child who made us nervous prior to delivery -well other than my first who did not seem interested in being born).  

This son came into the world and brightened our world.  There was not too much he was afraid of.  He would be on the opposite side of a hotel swimming pool and jump in having absolute faith that his father or I would be there to catch him.  He is also the son that required our first trip to the ER for stitches. 

He is best friends with his baby sister, well for the most part.  He is also our first child to fracture a bone, which was quite the adventure for me.  He is full of hugs and love.  He has a heart of gold.  

So happy 14th birthday to my wonderful son Nathan! 

Our Lovely Daughter

So today we are celebrating our first birthday of the month.  Twelve years ago today, we welcomed our first daughter into our family.  She was my easiest labor and delivery.  I basically rocked her into the world in a rocking chair.  She has been the joy of my life.  

She came into this world following her three brothers.  Following those brothers is exactly what she has not been satisfied to do.  Early on she decided that anything her brothers did, She could do better.  With homeschooling, she was constantly striving to move ahead.  She approached school with a thirst for learning.  

Her brothers got involved in Scouts, which meant she spent lots and lots of time around boys.  Considering both her dad and I were leaders for our pack and then troop, she attended numerous scout meetings.  She could hold her own around boys.  Nothing really scared her.  

She has an tremendous amount of determination.  At the same time, she shows her love for her family.  She thinks the world of her brothers.  Yet she also does not take anything from them.  

She is the joy of my world.  She is my little princess.  I love her dearly.  We were truly blessed the day she joined our family.