My World Changed

7 years ago today, at 11:21 PM my world was forever changed.

I was blessed to become the mother of none other than, Brayden William-Lawrence.

He was 7 lbs 9 oz and 21 1/2 inches long.  He had 10 toes and 10 fingers and a head full of  dark hair.

He was absolutely perfect in every way.

It was on this day when I learned what it means to truly love someone and put another person's needs before my own.

No book or article could have ever prepared me for all of the lessons that this one little boy has taught me and continues to teach me each day.

On the day that he made his way into this world I turned down the opportunity to attend a Colts game with Brent.

He had been given free tickets from work.  The idea of climbing bleachers and squeezing next to some random stranger while 9 months pregnant lacked a certain appeal to me, if you know what I mean.

Brent's cousin was happy to take my place at the game.  When the guys returned home from the game I had dinner ready.  We ate, his cousin left, and Brent and I went about our typical Sunday night routine.

As I was sitting on the floor coloring something for the preschool class that I was teaching at the time I began to feel slightly crampy. 

I decided to stretch out on our bed for a few minutes thinking this would relieve the cramps.  Much to my surprise my water suddenly broke!

We called our families and quickly headed to the hospital.  We did stop to drop off lesson plans at my assistant teacher's house {it was on the way}.

When I quickly learned that I was already dilated to 7cm.  I was informed that if I wanted an epidural I needed to get one quickly or it would be too late.

The thought of a needle going into my back terrified me, so I chose to go without the epidural.

Considering the fact that my water broke around 7:30 and I was holding my sweet baby by 11:21, I'd say my first birth experience wasn't too bad.

I know I'm not alone when it comes to reminiscing about my little boy being born.  It is amazing how quickly the time has passed.

While we have had our ups and downs during his short 7 years with us, I know that began our family circle.

Becoming a parent has solidified our marriage and pushed us to limits we could have never imagined.

No matter what, in the end, we are a family.  We love one another and that's the bottom line.

Happy Birthday Brady!  Mommy and Daddy love you!