About A Boy

October 2000.  I was 20 years old.  We were "trying" to get pregnant but I hadn't ever looked into the timing and how to plan it (other than the VERY obvious).  I had taken a couple pregnancy tests the month prior... nothing... but this time I felt different, very different.  There was SOMETHING going on.  So there I went to London Drugs to buy another test... came home and sure enough... My life would change FOREVER!!!

I remember praying and begging asking God to give me a boy.  All I wanted was a boy!  I promised God I would love a girl but a boy would just be so perfect.

I was due June 17, 2001.  PERFECT, that was Father's Day.  The timing could not have been better... June 17 came and went... v e r y   s l o w l y..... it was so hot that summer.  I spent countless days at my moms place in Sumas Prairie just to beat the heat and help pass some time.  (I was not very patient)

Monday June 25th my dear sweet doctor had compassion on me... he told me I could come in to be induced.  I had NEVER heard this word before... I was scared.  I had to call in to the hospital at 7am Monday morning and if they had room for me then voila!  I could have my baby... phew. 
Jarno went to work at 4:30 that morning and the deal was that if we could get in he'd come home, otherwise he'd put in a full day.  At 6am I got up, ate some toast, shaved my legs (lol), got ready and prayed and prayed as I made that call... "What, yes?  There's room?  Ok, we'll be there within the hour.  Thank you!"

I was so nervous.  I had NO idea what to expect.  We had done the prenatal course but I was on my own now. 

I'll save you the long version of this story... (maybe?)  But let's just say being induced wasn't what I thought it would be... it didn't magically get the baby out or speed things up or hurt less.... I spent the night after labouring all day... all long, boring day...

Tuesday June 26.  My doc comes in the room at just before 8am, he took one look at me and ordered an epidural.  S L O W L Y.... so   s l o w l y....  things started to pick up.. things were definitley happening now.  We ended up having a nurse keep a close eye on us (I never did realize until years later how close I came to having a C-section) because the baby's heart rate would drop... WAY down.  Sometimes we would lose the heart beat all together... the nurse would get all flustered, I didn't DARE ask questions, more nurses would come in... it was so unnerving.   But finally, while waiting for my epidural to be topped up I felt the craziest sensation ever... it was GO time.  I didn't push long and there came my baby... 9:59pm

The nurses rushed him over to the table.  In the movies you always get to hold your baby right away but mine was frantically being looked at and worried faces were all over that room.  I didn't even know if the baby was a boy or a girl yet.  Later we found out he had pooped inside me and they thought he had swallowed some mecconium (sp?)  FINALLY, I got to see my baby... A BOY!!!  A BOY!!!!   I GOT MY BABY BOYYYYYY!!!!!!   We were through the MOON with excitement.

We had gone back and forth with names... We decided it would either be Levi or Brandon.. but the minute we laid eyes on that baby boy we both knew his name would be BRANDON!  There was no doubt.

FAST FORWARD 11 YEARS....

WHAT???  How'd this kid get so big? 

I am so crazy about this boy.  He is such a good kid.  He is kind, respectful, gentle, loving, affectionate, funny, totally weird, stubborn.  Just to name a FEW!  He has such a love for the Lord and he isn't afraid to show it.  He hugs me in front of all his friends, he tells me he loves me, he kisses and hugs and helps his little sisters, he cooks for me, he helps around the house, he prays for me.

It may sound like I'm bragging (I'm allowed to, he's my kid) but I just think this kid deserves to have people know how amazing he is!  I am SO proud of this kid. 

He just graduated from elementary school and in the fall he will be a middle schooler :'(  When did he get so big?



Blurry, but you get the idea.  Boy is on the bottom row on the left.



Tomorrow my little boy will turn 11.  ELEVEN!  I almost can't believe it.  I want to wish my dear, sweet boy thee happiest of birthdays ever!  I pray that the Lord will bless you, Boy.  You are such a GREAT kid.  I know we butt heads sometimes and at times you don't think I'm being fair but I love you SO much and I want only the best things in life for you, Buddy.  Keep your eyes on the Lord and always know that I am here for you.  You will make mistakes (we all do) but I will love you regardless.  There is nothing you can do that could make me stop loving you.  You are the best son a mom could EVER have and I know that's the reason I never got another boy.  God knew that you were all the boy I would ever need!  I LOVE YOU BRANDON!!!  You make your mom so proud.

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y !!!