Happy Birthday Braden!

Yesterday we celebrated Braden's 2nd birthday! We had such a wonderful time. We were joined by all of our close friends and if it weren't for our friends, Maryland would be a lonely place. Braden was able to play with his friends, Preston, Bella, Gabby, Emily, and Carolyn. We also had fun with the babies, Chris and Reese. Pizza and ice-cream cake graced the night along with lots of free entertainment (6 kiddos having fun).

Braden's birthday is not just a great day for him, but for Brian and I. It amazes us that two years ago Braden was just a little baby and he has grown into such a loving little boy. I am excited not only to see his growth each year but to see how Reese will grow and change in her first year of life.

This was sent to me by a friend and it touched me, especially during this time of celebration.

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Happy Birthday Braden!