Last year at this time, my mom, mother-in-law and I were finishing dinner and relaxing on the couch. I noticed that I was having some contractions, but wasn't sure if they were real or not and I pretty much just ignored them. We went to bed and I was still having them, so I began to write them down to see if there was any consistancy to them. By 5am they were still coming, faster and stronger. I woke up my mom and asked her if she thought we ought to head to the hospital. I then woke up Shawn's mom and we all got ready. I would hate if I had to be rushed to the hospital without a shower and a little makeup:o) We arrived at the hospital and I got checked in. I was sure they were just Braxton Hicks and they would send me home so I didn't get my hopes up. They put me in a room with another woman in labor. We were laughing because it sounded like she was about to have the baby right there. She was breathing loud and heavy and making all kinds of noise. Another reason I was sure they were going to send me home. I was having contractions but nothing to make me breath heavy or be in any sort of pain. Going home....going home...going home...I began to tell myself. The doctor finally came in and informed the other girl she wasn't progressing and she would be sent home. If this girl, who was obviously in active labor (and in serious agony) was being sent home, I was definitely going to be home by 10am. I was next.........I was 2cm when they checked me in. What would I be now...two hours later? You're 4 cm. You get to stay! I was so excited, but then I realized this was about to happen...for real. My mom and Cindi had gone to get some breakfast, so I called her cell phone and told her we get to stay, start making your phone calls! The first phone call was to get everyone in position to get Shawn on the video. I think I was more worried about him than I was myself and Caleb. I just didn't want him to miss anything. The doctor came in and checked me again and I was 5cm. She decided to break my water. And then I was 7!!! Get Shawn on video now!!! That's all I kept thinking. It was 11:30 at that time and he was finally "with us". At 3:30pm our sweet little boy arrived. Joy and relief were the immediate feelings. Mostly, I think I was just physically tired and emotionally overloaded. There really aren't words to describe what your children are to you...I think. A joy, a blessing, he completes us! We love him more than anything and I find it hard to believe that a year has already passed. The saying "They grow up so fast" is absolutely true.
It feels like we've gone from this...
Happy 1st Birthday, Caleb!!!
You bring so much happiness to our lives and we love you so much!!
Only one of our videos will upload for some reason. But I think you'll see just how much Caleb liked his icing.....I mean cake!
To this....decorating for his 1st birthday party...overnight! 
