Happy Day to My 4-Year-Old

Happy Birthday Patrick!

My little guy is 4 years old today!

So I thought I'd give his story.  Compared to some stories out in the blog world, it's probably rather boring and uneventful.  But to me...it's a wonderful story.  The story of my little guy and how much he's loved.  I'll make it brief.

We found out baby #2 was on the way when Katie was only 15 months old.  When was baby #2 due?  On Katie's 2nd birthday.  What's the chances of that happening (our doctor told us to quit 'celebrating' our anniversary if we didn't want any more July babies.  Ha ha, very funny).  For WM's birthday I surprised him with the news that baby #2 was on the way.  What a great gift, huh?  So plans were underway that fall...our family was growing.  By summer we would be a "party of 4."

Patrick with his daddy and grandpa--he is named after both of them (all three go by their middle names but have the same first name)--on the evening he was born.

My pregnancy with baby #2 was fairly uneventful...no morning sickness, my hair and skin looked fabulous, weight gain was less than with Katie and I craved steak, hamburgers, potatoes ('man food') and I ate 4 Twix candy bars a day (not 4 Twix, but 4 packages--8, yes 8 candy bars), I couldn't get enough of those things (which, by chance, I now don't really like).

On his first birthday...enjoying some cake.

So when Friday, July 8 rolled around, like any other morning I got up, got Katie breakfast and sent WM off to work. I was still a week away from my due date so I didn't have plans in order for the 'big day' yet.  I felt a little crampy, but nothing to get excited about.  But about an hour later, maybe around 9:00 a.m. the 'cramps' (a.k.a. contractions) were becoming stronger and more regular.  But nothing I couldn't handle, I thought I was in early labor--I thought I had probably another day or two before I needed to pay attention to what my body was telling me.  Around 10:30-11:00 a.m. I called one of my best friends (who happens to be a labor and delivery nurse) to just talk to her about it.  We timed a few over the phone and she told me "call (WM) and tell him to come home, you need to get in here.  Your contractions are 3 minutes apart and last 1-1 1/2 minutes."  "But they don't really hurt," I said.  "You're in labor, if you want an epidural you need to get here soon."  "OH, we'll be there shortly," I said (yes, I wanted that epidural).  So WM came home, Katie was sent off for a fun day with Aunt Amy and cousins and away we went.

Two-year-old Patrick.

When we got to the hospital at 12:30 p.m., my dear, dear friend (who I'd talked to earlier) was there waiting for us.  She got me checked in, took my stats, asked all the necessary questions, filled out the necessary paperwork for me, etc., etc.  Then she sent our other friend in to see how far along we were.  "You're at a 6," she said.  WOW--over half way there and I hadn't felt bad yet!  I rock!  Fluids were pushed in quickly, epidural was started and there we were.  And about an hour and a half later it was time to push.

After about 2 pushes...at 3:16 p.m. on July 8, 2005, Robert Patrick L. was born.  Weighing in at a whopping 10 pounds (well, 9 lbs, 14 oz to be exact, but what is 2 tiny ounces)..  He was a big boy.  And it was love at first sight.

On his 3rd birthday.

I loved his chubby cheeks, black curly hair, green eyes.  I loved everything about him.  The newborn nursery nurses would tease us that the OU football scouts were hanging out in the nursery checking out their newest recruit.  He was a big, healthy boy.  And I just kept saying..."I have a son!  I have a son!!"

I loved having a son!

I still love having a son!

Patrick at his 'park party' this past Monday...celebrating his 4th birthday.

He's such a joy and so easy going.  He's your typical middle child--social, a leader, happy.  Even being sandwiched between two sisters, he faces the world with a happy face, tender heart and caring spirit.  I've been told by many, many people (teachers, friends, etc) that he is very compassionate and loving.  And he truly is.  He will melt your heart.  He has melted mine.  I love that boy!!

Patrick is an absolute joy in our lives.  

Happy birthday, Patrick!  We love you SO much!!!