Happy 1st Birthday, Michael!

It truly is amazing that the Pear turns one today. Really, where does the time go?

I never knew how incredibly fulfilling, wonderful, stressful, overwhelming and emotional having two children could be. God blessed me with this dynamic little boy and I thank him every day for that.
The journey began for the Pear and I back in March '07, yet I didn't know at the time that it had even been planned. A few weeks after our Spring Break trip to Tampa I started feeling a little funny. Could I be pregnant? No way. We tried for months back in the fall with no luck and we were going to try again in August. But silly me, it wasn't my plan, it was God's! The little Pear seed was already planted and was due December 23rd, 2007. A winter baby? In the middle of basketball season? Two days before Christmas? I was floored but overjoyed.

After a pretty uneventful pregnancy, Michael was born via c-section on December 16th, 2007. He was a big boy with a big cry!





The first few months brought tummy problems, reflux and a sometimes a very unhappy baby. The doctors ran tests for digestive problems and even Cystic Fibrosis. I was so afraid that there was something wrong with my little boy. It was my job as a mommy to make him happy, but sometimes I felt like I was failing because he seemed so miserable at times.



As the months past, he got happier and happier. He smiled and played and laughed hysterically when I nuzzled his belly or daddy "boxed" with him. At around 6 months, he started sitting up and really admiring his big sister. We spent summer days at the park, taking Champy for long walks or swimming in the pool on the patio. Those were great times that I'll never forget.



Michael is now a champion crawler and cruiser. He could walk if he wanted to (the doctors are amazed at how strong he is), but chooses not to. He stands alone for a bit and in true Michael fashion, will walk when he sees fit. He babbles like crazy and says "dada" pretty well. I've also heard variations of "mama", "dog", "Tay Tay" and "teddy". He's a pointing fool and loves to point at different objects and have me tell him what they are. He figures things out quickly and is one smart little dude.

The little man has a stronghold on my heart. We have a special connection that will always be there. It's a mommy-son thing that only moms and sons can really understand. I have a special connection with Taylor too, but Michael and I have a just-as-special, but different, bond. I love when he reaches for me when he's feeling a little timid and squeals when I come into his room in the morning. He puts gusto into everything, whether it be screaming bloody murder every. single. time. he gets his diaper changed or burrowing his little fuzzy head into my arms for a hug from mama. I am a better person because of Michael and I can only hope that one day he can say the same about me. Don't let anyone ever tell you any differently, Michael. You will always be Mommy's baby boy!

Happy Birthday! Mommy, Daddy and Taylor love you with all our hearts!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel