Braden turns one!

September 5, 2007

7 lbs. 1 oz.

18 1/2 inches long

Bright Red Hair

Big Blue Eyes

This is the day that changed my life forever. This is the day when a tornado entered my hospital room and hasnt left since. He nursed for 6 hours straight the first night and I should have known then what I was in for. For 7 LONGGGGGG months, Braden Eugene Larson cried 20 hours out of every single day and I am NOT exaggerating. He was swaddled and fed for comfort but even those things didnt seem to help ease the ear wrenching nightmare of a scream that he had. What a boy, what a boy!

He was beautiful from day one but I must admit that with all of the crying going on, my husband just getting home and a really great baby girl at home, I didnt know what I was going to do! I felt scared and frustrated and even angry at times. This baby has challenged me to the core of who I am and yet today I feel like a stronger woman, a better mother and a more patient person all around. I really feel as if I could conquer the world after the last year with Braden! Nora loved him from the start and they are still best buds to this day! I love watching him grow and learn and change.

One year later, I am proud to say that my marriage is stronger, my house is more full of food than ever before, and my heart is bigger because of this little man. At age one, I am happy to report that he is one of the happiest and most joyful babies to be around. He is smart, laid back, loud, funny, and HUNGRY--still!!! We celebrated his big day with presents, family, food, food, and more food, and CAKE! All in all it was fantastic. I love him so much and am so glad that God had favor on us and gave us a son! I cant wait to watch him grow into the future that God has ordained for him and I know that his gift of speaking will be utilized in that future, because it already is every day! He's my boy. He's my buddy. And he gives awesome kisses!!!

Thank you all for your prayers through our journey of parenthood! It is the biggest and most rewarding challenge of our lives and we are so grateful to God for allowing us this season to enjoy these babies! They are such a blessing and I love sharing in every moment with my best friend! Daniel & I covet your prayers for our family, our children and just our lives over all! We love you!