Wow...Ethan you are one!

One year, 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months. That's a long time, right? No, not right...it went so fast, I feel like tomorrow you will be 16 and won't want to sit on my lap anymore. Well let's hope you don't want to do that at 16! I can't even put into words the joy I have being your mom. You are such an awesome kid. You are so much like Daddy and I, and we love it. You can't stop moving, ever! You are not afraid of anything. You love adventure, you love being outside, you love the dogs and the kitty. We just couldn't have asked for a better kid. I know, I know...broker record, right?

So on to the birthday party. It was going to be just a small gathering with Sawyer, of course, and the Strebes. And maybe G. Well, it turned out to be a big shindig! G came to visit and brought with her your favorite Aunt Jenny just in from Maui, HI. Grampa Blake decided to come visit as well after G talked him into it. And as if that wasn't enough, your crazy Aunts Amy and Mandy decided to come surprise us and especially Jenny with a trip to CO. After 24 hours and driving through the night they made it. It was an unbelievable special weekend, not just because it was your bithrday, but also to have all your family there. It was awesome. You got to play with your cousins Maggie, Izzy and Joey and also Sawer and Reece. It was a great day. You got lots of clothes from G, a really cool CAT dump truck from The Strebels, a cool computer keyboard to actually use with the real computer from Aunt Donna and Uncle Jeff, and some cool bath toys from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Steve and also from Grampa Blake. As if you needed more toys or clothes!

After the craziness of the Bday weekend, we had a nice quiet weekend, the Strebels came over and we just relaxed. We went fly fishing and you had you first fall into the freezing river. I was right there to pick you up and you didn't seem to mind the cold so much as you kept wanting to get back in.

Then it was time for Mommy's birthday, and not just a birthday, but birthweek. You will soon get to experience the birthweek. We went a cabin and spend the weekend in the mountains a few hours away. You got to get dirty, which of course you love and Mommy hates. We took the quad and took you almost all the way to the continental divide. Of course you feel asleep, so if we would have made it you would have missed it all! it was so cute, you were asleep in my arms on this bumpy and rough road. But you just love being outside and you love riding the quad. we went to the Royal Gorge Bridge, the tallest suspension bridge in the world. It was pretty weird watching you walk around on this bridge being so high up. We rode the ferris wheel, which you loved! Oh, and you got on your first and probably last Mule ride. I say last becuase I think we will move you up to a horse next time. Daddy liked it because the Mule's name was Nelly and he got to say "Whoa Nelly" Yea, one day you will be real sick of Daddy's jokes.

In other not so exciting news: You are a great sleeper, you love your stuffed animals and you love your bed. You climb the stairs up and back down like a little monkey, and now you have figured out how to hold the railing so you can walk up the stairs like a big boy. I think your first words are starting to formulate. Every now and then we can hear you mimicking us. Daddy, Doggy and kitty I think are pretty much already there. You love to throw your food off of your high chair down to the dogs below. Mommy really hates this, can you work on that please? Daddy absolutely adores you and can't wait until you can talk so you guys can have boy talk. You like to cuddle now, and I love that. You enjoy sitting on my lap and I think its pretty cool, for now...

You are just the best. What else can I say.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Almost One Year old!!

I just went and looked through all the pics from your entire life. I say "entire life" as if it has been years, but to me it seems as if it has. It feels like so long ago you were a tiny little bundle of life in my arms. I miss that so much, yet, I love you so much the way you are and want to freeze you at this age forever. Daddy and I just watched you with such awe when you were first born. And we still do. You just keep bringing such a happiness to our lives. You filled something we didn't even know we were missing. It is so hard to put into words what it feels like for you to turn one...

Your life is flying by, that's kinda how it goes. You have logged more miles these past couple months. Both on land and on the sea. We finally got to the Caribbean! After a very long night getting there, we finally made it. It's a good thing you were sleeping because it was pretty long and exhausting. On the 4 hour layover at 5 am in the morning, you and Sawyer were happy as can be. Playing with toys and being social with all the other extremely tired and jet lagged travelers. You gave us all something to do to keep our minds off of how tired we were. Thank goodness for Tera, the babysitter. But we got there, and we all had such a great time. There we were, The Beves and The Strebes. We are like family now especially after speding a week together on a small boat out at sea. You and Sawyer were beach buddies and love the water. And we certainly kept you busy. More to come of being on the see, you are after all the Son of a Sailor.

We got back, had a quick weekend of rest and then off again. This time to the mountains. Boy you have a tough life don't you...? Better get used to it! We heading off to Chinns Lake for a 4th of July celebration with, yep, you guessed it, The Strebels. It was freezing cold, but you didn't care. It was raining and muddy, but you didn't care. Yep, you were crawling around on the ground, getting your clothes dirty and dropping your snacks and eating them. Nice... It was really hard on Mommy to watch you get so dirty, but Auntie Holly had to keep reminding me that dirt was normal for kids. WHAT? not my kid. Yeah right. You are definitely going to do your share of stressing Mommy out. But we just decided you would have dirty clothes for outside and clean clothes for in the tent. That worked well and you sure had fun. You and Sawyer were walking all over the place. Such big boys!

Your cousins Hillary and Rachel just left and you enjoyed being beat up by little cousin Gabby. Really, you did! You thought she was the coolest. We all went to Cheyenne WY for the famous Rodeo. We got you your first cowboy hat and button tab cowboy shirt. You were just the cutest. It will be such a joy to see you ride your first horse and maybe even rodeo yourself one day.

We have been working on the house and you have been such a good helper. You love Daddy's tools, of course. Daddy can't wait for you to actually be able to help. It is amazing how physically advanced you are. You climb the stairs and go back down as if it is second nature. You are now rolling around on the floor and playing with your Kangaroo Climber like a little boy. You love your stuffed animals when you go to bed. You are going to day care now a couple days a week. You love it when Mommy picks you up from day care. You are still in love with food. Daddy has become your best bud. You love going on the quad with him. You hair is getting so long and curly I can't wait to see what it looks like when you become a teenager, a highschooler, a young man. You laugh and it could bring tears to our eyes. You play hide and seek, and peek a boo. You love being outside. You are just the coolest!

We can't wait to celebrate one year of your life with you. You are our best friend in the world and have brought us so much joy. We only hope to return it to you for the rest of your life.

The Pride of Being a Parent

Well Ethan, what can I say other than you are so freaking perfect. We fall in love with you more and more each day. It seems I start out each blog entry with how busy we are. But you are really a busy kid. This past month you have been busy growing as well! You have been on the verge of walking all month long. You learn new sounds each day and you love they way your teeth feel in your mouth. You have four of them now, two on the top and two on the bottom. Thankfully, you have stopped grinding them together. That really got on Mommies nerves! You have also learned how to blow spit bubbles. It is super cute even though it is kind of gross at the same time. I think you have learned that I am Momma and you know what Daddy means too. You are starting to call me Momma too. Daddy and I play with you each night and try and get you to walk. You are doing so good! When you took your first few steps I was watching and it was the most rewarding moment to date of being your Mom. The way you play right now is so cute. You are actually playing with your toys instead of just banging on them and eating them.

We traveled to see G and all the rest of the Ohio family. Your cousins thought you were so cool. It was so neat watching you interact with thim. I wish we lived closer. But I know you will be so close with all of them. We went to see G in Cleveland and she gave you your first piano lesson. You need some work, but I definitely see some potential. You were there for Maggie's birthday party, and that was fun. You love grass. Which is weird because I hate it, it makes me itch. You were amazed with it, how it felt and how it tasted as well.

You are Daddy and I's little best bud, we take you everywhere and you are so well behaved. Please keep that up, ok? You are so good at restaraunts, we are so lucky. It is hard for us to be away from you even for a few hours. We finally found a great babysitter for you and we don't want to leave you!

You and your buddy Sawyer are really becoming the cutest! I think you two finally know who each other are and are so comfortable around each other. You went to your first birthday party ever, Sawyer's party of course! It was so much fun. There was a ball pit, a pool and a water table. Of course you were busy flirting with all the pretty girls to pay much attention. You take after Daddy already!

Soon we will be taking you on your first sailing adventure. Daddy and I can't wait to get your sea legs growing! I know you will love it. And you will have your buddy Sawyer there to keep you company when Mommy and Daddy and Auntie Holly and uncle Geoff are drinking rum.

Soooo, obviously you are the light in our life and we swoon over you each and every day. Can't imagine how you are not going to be a spoiled little brat. But, you are pretty awesome and I know you will stay that way no matter how spoiled you are.

More Cute Pics

The Dave Shirt

The Bruiser

Ethan, this month you have really been through the ringer. I must be a bad Mom for letting your hurt yourself so much. But recently you have giving yourself a black eye, along with numerous random bruises and your most recent one is falling into the railing in the living room and gashing your chin, upper lip and gums. Is this a peek at what I am in for being your Mom? You are so much like your Dad already. Constantly I am asking him, why are you bleeding, where did you get that cut. I better keep the first aid kit fully stocked.

You have also leared how to scream recently. It is cute and annoying at the same time. I love to hear you exploring your voice, but at the same time it is a screaching sound, like nails on a chalkboard!

We had our first campfire not too long ago. We sat by the fire with our friends the Strebels. You and Sawyer loved the hammock. You guys thought you were such big boys. You ate your first S'more. Of course you loved it and then you were wired.

I have been thinking about day care for you. But I just can't bring myself to do it. Number one, I will miss you terribly. Secondly, the swine flu freaks me out a little and there are germs all over the place at day cares. But it will happen someday. You are such a Momma's boy, but lately you have been becoming a Daddy's boy too. It is so cute to see you reach out for him. We of course love having you home with us ever day, so don't get too excited to go hang out at day care.

Soon we are going to see all of your cousins and Aunts in OH. And of course "G". She can't go long without seeing you that is for sure.

We are so ready for you to walk. You are so close, but now you know that crawling is easier and you don't fall. So you have given up on trying to walk. Soon you will be walking hand in hand with us and we can't wait. We love you more and more everyday, if that is even possible. You are becoming such a companion and we look forward to each and every moment spent with you.

Is this the North Pole?

Spring storm, April, 2009. Come on Summer!!

what have we been doing with ourselves?

This month has flown by. I dont even know what we have been doing withourselves. Oh yea, digging ourselves out of the three feet of snow, just as we returned from FL. What a wake up call. We were without power for three and a half days and no phones for two of those, oh and no water as we have a well that needs a pump, that needs electricity. But, the sun came out pretty quickly and then all we were left with was the mud.

Ethan, what can I say, we are going to live an adventurous life. You were certainly full of excitement for Mom and Dad the past few weeks. We went to a great concert this month, you were not so great for the babysitter. You were hanging out with your buddy, Sawyer, while we were out having a rare adult night. we came home to a not so good report. It turns out you cried as soon as we left and caused Sawyer to cry and you guys continued to cry the entire night until you were too exhausted to cry any more. Now ever time we go to Holly and Goeff's you won't let me leave your side and cry as soon as I put you down or if I go anywhere near the door. What is up with that. It is time for a little daycare and a wake up call Momma's boy.

Other positive news is you are still the light in my life. When you are home, you are such a good boy. You play all by yourself for long periods of time, you laugh and smile so often you just touch my heart. You are actually trying to pronounce Momma. I can't wait till you actually figure it out. Just the other day you took your little scooter for a walk, you know like the way you are supposed to do it...walking behind it. Not just playing with all the contraptions on the outside. Walking will be in your very near future. I am actually excited for that. You will be so much happier when you can really get around.

Mommy and Daddy play with you all the time, you love flying through the air. When you laugh and giggle you melt our hearts.

We took you to your first baseball game with our best buds, the Strebel Family. It was a blast. You and Sawyer were the cutest. All the lights and the yelling of the fans was exciting for you guys. You did get scared once or twice from all the excitedment, but you settled into it. Can't wait until you and Sawyer are running around the stadium trying to chase down fowl balls and autographs.

We are still taking swim lessons and you are a little fish.

So, it's been a busy month. Get used to it little one. We are going to keep you going and going your entire life!

Learning to swim, swing and dealing with life's difficulties.

Ethan, you are such an amazing kid. You have your Daddy's blood running through you for sure. We took you to the beach for the first time and you had so much fun! you love the water, the sand, the shells. You would try and eat them and drink the water. You are such a water baby. Your Daddy, the FL boy was so proud of you.

On a sad note, we were in FL for Grandma Hill's funeral. She would love to see you having so much fun at the beach. She was so blessed to have another grandchild and couldn't wait for Daddy and I to have you. It was really sad to lose her, but we know she will be watching you from heaven every day of your life.

Aunt Donna and Aunt Debbie and all of your cousins just love you to pieces. You just smile at them and they love it! Danielle, Maxx and little Gabbie think you are their little toy.

In other news...you got your first tooth about 2 weeks ago. It is coming in nicely. It is so cute when you smile, I just love it. You are also developing your muscle skills. You are crawling all over the place with style and just the other day we were just about to get into the bath and you put your hands on the tub and pulled yourself to standing. I looked over and just laughed at how big you think you are. You are 8 months going on 2 years. Already, I am seeing your life pass be by. I see how handsome you are going to be, all the girlfriends you are going to have, the sports you will excell at and watching you whizz through school. It is going so fast, please slow down!

We also had your first swim lesson. As mentioned above, you are a fish! You and your buddy Sawyer were so cute in the pool, just watching each other and splashing together. I think you may be ready for the next level class already. Maybe you can be a lifegaurd someday like Daddy was.

I am going to start giving you my words of wisdom. Whether you like it or not, you are going to get it. I have moments sometimes that I just want to talk to you and tell you what is going on in my life. I know right now you can't really understand or have a conversation with me, but one day we can look back through your blog and have a little chat. So my words of wisdom today are...

Death...it is such a hard thing. I know you will have to deal with it at some point in your life, but i so wish I could sheild you from the pain of it. You will be a very strong person I know that, but no matter how strong you think you are, it is still probably the hardest thing a person deals with in a lifetime. So treasure the people around you, remember when you argue with someone, those words you speak can never be taken away and sometimes they are remember for years. Tell those close to you that you love them and tell them often. When you have something on your mind, say it! Don't let life pass you by with regrets. Regrets are forever and you can never remedy the feeling of regret. Don't wait until you are too old to do the things you want to do. Don't let people around you influence your decisions. Be strong and have faith in your own decsions. Be yourself, always. And lastly...Love your Mother with all your heart, oh yea, and your Father. God knows we love you more than words can say! The point of this all is...Death comes to us all. You don't get to chose when, so make sure you are ready!

I love you Son,

Mom

Ethans first best friend

They will never forgive us for this picture!

Ethan is totally saying right now..."no Sawyer we will get in trouble" and Sawyer says..."no way man, just do it"

Actually I am not sure who is going to be the bad influence. But they are sure cute now. It is so neat to see them interact at this young age.

His First Iced Animal Cookie

I know, I know, we said we weren't going to introduce sweets this early, but look at him. He is having so much fun! He likes it so much that I had to give him another one...

New things E has learned.

The plank position. I hope this doesn't mean he is going to want to go into the army or something. Not them I am against that, but I am thinking lawyer or doctor. He isn't quite sure what to do with him self when he gets to this position, all he knows is that he is doing something really cool. He just doesn't know what to do with his hands.

See, I want to get up from here...don't you hear me?

95th percentile for height, who knew!!??

So we had a doctor appointment this week. And let me tell you how surprised I was that our son is in the 95th percentile for height. The flesh and blood of these two NOT tall people. Maybe he does have a shot at the football team....

When people tell you that before you know it your child will be all grown you don't really take it to heart. The days fly by. You look at this beautiful boy and wonder how he got to be so amazing. when did he learn that? why haven't we taken any pictures in the last few days, he is growing so fast. Truth is, you take it for granted. You don't stop to realize and really take in every moment. Ethan is such a busy body, he is constantly moving. If only he could walk he says to him self. I think he visualizes himself walking and gets upset. He wants to move there or there or over there but he knows that it is a slow process. One day in the VERY near future he will be walking and our life as we know it will be changed! But bring it on, I am ready for every day with you Ethan! Mommy and Daddy love you more and more every day. Even on the bad boy days. Which are few and far between.

"G's" Visit

What a great visit with G we had. She spoiled Ethan rotten with love and affection as usual and also with some really stylish clothes. He got rocked to sleep for every nap and every night, and I am not sure we hear him cry all weekend. Dave and I got to ski together with out Ethan, it was a little weird. All the way there, we kept thinking to ourselves that he was in the back seat. But we didn't miss him when we got up there, sorry E.


I was really dreading today as it was the first day without G. I was picturing a day filled with spoiled rotten crying baby, but it has been such a great day. I think G wore him out. He took a 3 hour nap in the morning and then another one in the afternoon. Wow...I was a little worried, I had to go in there and make sure he was still breathing a couple times and that is definitley not like me to do. He doesn't seem to want to play by himself though, I wonder why???

All in all, it was a great weekend and turns out E isn't in too bad a shape, except he misses G.


Thanks for a good visit G, we love you!

Message to My "G"

Hey G, it's me Ethan. I just wanted to tell you how excited I am for you to come and visit. You were the first face that greeted me into this world, well aside from Mom and Dad. I can't wait for you to play with me and sing the Grammy Song. I know Mom really doesn't like that song, but I am sure I will love it as much as Joey does. I have a bunch of new toys to show you and I can sit up at the play cube all by myself. Sometimes I fall over, but that is just as much fun as sitting up. I am really becoming a big boy and I can't wait for you to see me! Travel safe and I will see you tomorrow! I love you, G. Your Grandson, Ethan.

Best sound in the world, how else can I describe this?

Skiing

Our Son the little trooper, he has already been to Vail, Breckenridge, Arapaho Basin, and Keystone. We are so lucky to have met another couple with a son just a little older than Ethan. They are bound to be best buds. We take the boys on the gondola, to the bar, cafeteria, lodge, wherever. They are both so good. If only they could be out there on their own skis. One day they will be!

Nesting Accomplished, better late than never...

Anyone who has ever had a baby, knows the incredible urge to nest while you are pregnant. Our situation did not allow any time for nesting. So, now here we are, finally in a house, where Ethan gets his own room. We finally get to break out the nautical decor and the thoughtful gifts from the baby shower. The room was yellow, which for some people is nice, but I wanted a really big boy room. So we painted it Blue this weekend. Wow, what an amazing transformation. It yells boy now. I love it. Now, I am secretly hoping I can paint the room next to Ethan's pink...

Crawling

So here we are, so excited that Ethan is figuring out that he can do more that lay on his belly. He is scooting everywhere and when he gets on his belly he head plants and puts his weight on his knees. This is the beginning of the end. Why is it that parents are so excited for this milestone?? I am sure that once he has figured it out we will be wishing for the old days.

Getting up to speed

Ethan will be 6 months old, 24 weeks, next Friday. The Holidays were great. Our first Thanksgiving together was wonderful. We had our friends Holly and Geoff and Sawyer over at our house. Sawyer is your first friend. You guys are so cute together. The weather is turning colder and we aren’t able to take as many walks along the creek. But I love you in hats. I am so glad we are in a place that you can actually wear them. You love taking baths. We take showers together some times. You sit in your tub while I shower. We play and play. Daddy is so glad you like the water. You will be his little sailor someday. You started eating cereal at about 4 months. Really you just spit it back out on your shirt, but eventually you figured it out. You slobber more than any baby I have ever seen. I can’t wait for you to get out of that phase. And spitting up too! I have to change you twice a day.
December flew by…We have been looking for a house to rent in the mountains and getting ready for Christmas. We also have some snow here, so we have to fit in some skiing time. The first time we took you skiing was an event. People must have thought we were crazy. We met Geoff and Holly and Sawyer. Your first slopes were Breckenridge. We park at that bottom of the hill and take the gondola up to the lodge. You and Sawyer both did great. We can’t wait to see you boys on the slopes with us. You will be flying past us I am sure. We all talk about what you and Sawyer will be like when you get a little bigger. You have since been to Keystone, and Vail.
We had Christmas early so we could head to Florida and Ohio. It was so much fun for Daddy and I. I am sure next year will be more eventful, but you sure looked cute. We headed off to Florida to see Daddy’s family. We stayed with Aunt Donna, Uncle Jeff and Cousins Danielle and Maxx. They sure love you and love to hold you. Then we were off to Tampa to see Grandma Hill, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Steve and Cousins Rachel, and Jesse. You saw your other cousin Hillary and her family Gabby and Tony in Naples with the Furmans. You got some cute outfits and some toys. You are already spoiled. Hard to believe I know! Then it was time for your next flight to Columbus. G is so excited to see you I think she could burst. We arrived Christmas day, and then we celebrated the twenty sixth with the rest of your Aunts and cousins. Maggie thinks you are her personal doll; she wants to drag you around by the neck. She also wants to make out with you. Really she just loves everything about you, but it sure looks like you guys are kissing cousins already. Joey thinks you’re pretty cool too, but he doesn’t like sharing his G with you. Izzy doesn’t really like sharing her either. G loves her grandkids. And they certainly love her. You will find out one day how cool she is. Aunt Mandy won’t put you down and Aunt Amy and her gentle NICU touch has you figured out. Favorite Aunt Jenny isn’t here since she is in Hawaii, but I am sure she will tell you that she is still Favorite Aunt Jenny even though you barely know each other. Aunt Jessie just looks at you like “wow”. And she worries about you. I think she is just worried about someday have a baby of her own. Mamaw and Papaw sure think you are the BOMB… Papaw even babysat for you one night so all the girls could have a night out. I think you will probably love Paps as much as I do. He sure loves you. Even changed a poopy diaper, which is more that I can say for Daddy. Although, Daddy and I have a deal so he is off the hook.
Now the Holidays are over and we are back in CO. We found a house to rent and we a getting settled. It is in the mountains of conifer. I know you will love it when you are old enough to know. You are getting so cute. You smile ever time anyone looks at you. You are such a good baby. You take great naps, and sleep through the nights still. You are starting to roll over. It is such a joy watching you figure things out. I never imagined I could love something so much. You are brightest the star in my sky. Daddy and I can’t imagine life without you. We have so many plans for you. so many adventures, so much fun to be had.

Month Three

Time is flying by and you are getting so big. Your legs are getting chubby and you have a double chin. This month was a very busy month. G came to see us all in Denver. She spoiled you rotten of course. You have more clothes than you know what to do with. But you are the cutest ever. She got up with you in the morning and of course fed you every chance she got. The three of us go out on the town together, you are so good. We went to Oktoberfest one day and we met some really nice people. They have a son that is a couple months older than you. You have been babysat twice now. The first time was actually not as hard and we suspected, although Daddy called the baby sitter every hour. The second time was a little hard, not sure why. I guess I missed you that day. You are smiling all the time now and cooing and trying to talk. Every time you catch eyes with me or daddy you just smile from ear to ear. Mamaw said you were the most beautiful baby we have had in this family. We certainly think so. You are still so spoiled; you want to be held all the time. This for the most part is ok. I don’t mind at all. Hopefully soon we can spend more time together and I won’t have to work so much.

Month Two

We left Florida, headed back to OH to load up the dogs, cats and all of our stuff from being there all summer. Daddy drove in the car with the 2 dogs and cats and you and I flew to Denver. We headed to our loft in down town Denver. It was so nice to get settled in our life just the three of us. For months we have been surrounded by family and friend and it was so nice to get to know more of you. Shortly after settling in here you started sleeping through the night. We took you on walks almost every day is the weather was beautiful. You love being outside and feeling the fresh air. Your first smiles arrived in the second month. I read to you sometimes, you seem to like it even though you have no idea what I am saying. We moved you from the cradle in our room to your own room upstairs sometime in the end of this month. Your room upstairs in the loft, I call our room. I work up there and we hang out up there during the day. We have all three of your blankets that were made for you displayed. The blanket Aunt Amy made for you is hanging on the wall with the matching pillow in your crib. The crocheted quilt Lynn Gulley made for you is at the end of your crib and the blanket Shannon Fuller (BTS) had made is over the rocking chair. All of your books we got at the shower are on the book shelf along with all your stuffed animals.

Week Four

Daddy has a special place in your Grandma Hill’s heart, but I think now you have an equally special place. She loved having you in her arms. Then we got to meet Aunt Debbie, Uncle Steve and your cousins Jessie, Rachel and Hillary. We stayed with them in Tampa while they got to know you. Then it was on to Naples to meet Aunt Donna, Uncle Jeff and Cousins Danielle and Maxx. I don’t know of anyone more excited for your arrival than Aunt Donna. She was over the moon for you. Danielle and Maxx thought you were the cutest.

Week Three

Getting ready to go to meet your Florida family… Now that you have met all of your Ohio family, there were many anxious people waiting to meet you in FL. Daddy’s Mom, we all call her Mayce, she is 87 and I bet she can’t believe she got to live to see your Daddy have kids! It took him a while, but it is the most sure thing we have ever done. You complete our lives in more ways than you will ever know.

Week Two

We had a little scare with you. You got some baby acne on your forehead and it must have created an infection in your eye as it became red and swollen and filled with mucus. We took you to the pediatrician and she told us to go to Children’s Hospital. Well, no one could figure out what it was. We had several doctors look at your eye and each one had another doctor come in. The infections disease doctor finally started to make some sense. They admitted us so we had to stay the night. They had to give you an IV and take some blood. That was the hardest thing Mommy and Daddy have gone through in your life…well, up to this point that is! We had to watch you cry as they poked you with needles. We could only hope as you looked up into our eyes crying, that you didn’t think it was us that were hurting you. They finally got us to a room and we just loved on you all night. We were all scared, but we knew you were going to be ok. They gave you three different antibiotics through the night and you were starting to look much better by the next morning. They let us go that next night and in about a week you were all cleared up.
You went to your very first party, one of many I am sure, as you will definitely be initiated into TTK in about 20 years or so. Well, maybe earlier if Aunt Jenny has her way. She is the wild one you need to watch out for. It was her going away party that was your first party. You got to hang out with all of Mommy and Daddy’s friends. They all thought you were so beautiful and couldn’t believe that we actually had a baby. It took us some time, you know. But someday you will appreciate that.

Week One

We left the hospital and arrived at G’s house. She had the house all clean and ready for our arrival. You met a lot of your family those first couple weeks, all your Aunts on Mommy’s side, Amy, Jenny, Mandy and Jessie. Then there are your cousins, Joey, Izzy and Maggie. They sure loved you bunches. Maggie thought you were her doll and wanted to carry you around. G didn’t want to share you with anyone. Mamaw and Papaw were so touched to finally meet you. Aunt Kimmy and Uncle Dave of course were there, trying to name you ED. Needless to say, you were very spoiled from the start. You didn’t know what you bed was. You thought you had to be in someone’s arms to be sleeping.

Ethan David Hill… Welcome to the world.

After one year of trying to become pregnant with you, and many years of waiting for Mommy and Daddy to be ready to have you, it finally happened. We found out we were having a baby just before Thanksgiving, 2007.

Your Birthday

Being pregnant was not my idea of fun, but it was well worth the journey as my prize at the end was you. You were born on August 1, 2008. It was a Friday, and I had felt like I was going into labor for over a week. That Friday in the early hours of the morning, I started having contractions. Neither of us could sleep as we were awake watching the clock. At about five AM I got up and took a shower and called G, as she was in Cleveland. After the shower, the contractions stalled and we thought it was a false alarm. But then my water started to break, just a little not enough for me to be sure. Your Aunt Amy was up by now and she and G agreed we should go to the hospital. Daddy, was very calm and collected, he had everything under control. Getting us to the hospital and knowing we had everything we needed. We were both so excited because we knew we were going to meet you soon!
We were at the hospital by nine AM, by ten AM, they had started the pitocin and by noon, I was having my epidural. Things were moving along. The last few contractions before the epidural about did me in. At around one pm, Daddy and I were the only ones in room when about 9 nurses and doctors came in and said that your heart beat was too low and they were ready to give me an epidural. We were really scared because we weren’t ready for that. But you finally stabilized and your heart rate came back up to the 140’s. As the day grew on, you were still not ready to come out. I thought you were going to make it easy on us, but no…. They finally realized that you were upside down. Well right side up for everyone except unborn babies. I guess you were already too big for your britches. G, and your Aunts Amy, Jenny and Mandy were all disappointed they didn’t get to watch you arrive in the world. So at that point we had to have a C-section. That was very scary. I was scared. But I couldn’t have done it without Daddy. He really did a good job of taking care of me. He was very calm and I was definitely not. But you arrived finally at 7:42 pm. It was so overwhelming. Daddy was watching the nurses to make sure you were OK and also checking on me to make sure I was ok too. We were in the hospital for the rest of the weekend and we left on Monday. Those first days in the hospital were so special because it was just you and me and Daddy. We were learning what to do to be parents and just realizing how special those moments were. To have a little life in our hands was incredible. Neither of us realized how fulfilling you were going to be for us. It was as if you created a little rainbow in-between us. You had many visitors too, of course. G, Amy, Jenny, Mandy, Jenny, Brandy, Madison and Aidan, Aunt Rikki, Amy and Nate, and BTS too…Many, many people already so in love you little Ethan.