Can it really be...

that Jackson is 1..

It's hard to believe that one year ago this beautiful little boy was placed in my arms.  I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it has already been a year.

( just born)

 just a little walk down memory lane throughout this year... (should I be wiping away a few tears, well I am...)

(1 month)

 (2 months)

 (4 months)

(6 months)

(8 months)

 (10 months)

(1 YEAR)

The day Jackson was born I had been at the car dealership ALL day long (literally) trying to get things fixed because I needed to get it registered before the end of January.  It was a long, tiring day, and at 6:00 p.m. when I was finally driving home I called Sean and just started bawling.  I didn't really know what was wrong, except that I was tired and didn't feel good at all.  I don't think I made much sense on the phone, but just kept babbling that I should go to dinner group, but didn't feel that great so I wasn't sure what to do.  He came home and gave me a blessing and I felt that it was time to have our baby. Even though he would be 3 weeks early, I knew that everything would be alright.  I was already dilated to 4 cm and was a wee bit nervous with how fast my babies come that I would have him at home. I had been having contractions on and off all day (nothing that I ever timed or that seemed super intense) but I just felt like I needed to go into the hospital.  We called Sean's parents to come and stay with the other kids and headed out.  We arrived around 8:30 p.m. and checked in.  They monitored me & the baby for a little while and said that "yes, I was having several contractions but didn't seem to be in labor."  They said they would call my Dr. to see what he suggested and let me know.  Well, they came back and said "okay, your Dr. said he will be right in to break your water, so I hope you are ready to have a baby tonight."  I was so giddy!  I LOVE my Dr.--- really, he is amazing!  He came within 20 minutes and broke my water.  We didn't think it would take long to have the baby, but after 40 minutes of not progressing much they started me on pitocin.  (side note: I had Rylee in a total of 40 minutes.. so it was a little odd that nothing was happening).  After the pitocin started going a little faster they checked me again and still not much was going on.  I think I was only dilated to 5 or 6 cm so they came in and rolled me onto my left side.  I FELT tons of pressure and within 10-15 minutes I was ready to push.  After 2 big pushes he was out and was as perfect as could be.  I guess when you spend less than 5 minutes in the birth canal you don't have many bumps or bruises.  He was born at 11:43 p.m. and came out weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz.   I fell in love immediately. 

**It has been so much fun watching him grow through each stage during this past year.  He crawled at 6 months, walked at 10 months and is now running when Jayson chases him!  He is a VERY busy baby (my busiest by far).  He unloads every cupboard and drawer in my house at least 10 times a day.  He loves to smile, but has learned to screech at the top of his lungs if he doesn't get his way.  He gives great hugs and kisses and loves to throw the ball with Jayson and his Dad.  He is still a snugly baby and babbles right before he falls asleep.  You always know when he is heading to LA LA land!   I feel so blessed to have him in my life.  He just makes me smile.. even with all his naughtiness!**

Happy first birthday little boy.  Your mama sure loves you!