To my amazing little boy..
You and I went through a rough pregnancy together. You must have been so anxious to be in my arms that you were trying to come out as early as 22 weeks. We had an overnight stay in the hospital to monitor the contractions and was sent home to be on partial bed rest which ended up being full time bedrest later on. However, it was just you, me and sissy while daddy finished up his duties in the Air Force so I prayed you would take it easy on me and hold off til he got home while we took care of sis.
Daddy finally got out of the Air Force and you decided to stay put even after he returned home. In fact, you decided to stay put an extra 3 days past your due date. It was 3:30am on May 4th that I was woken up with quite the surprise. My water had broke and I dont think I had ever, pregnant or not, jumped out of bed so fast! Before I went to bed that night I had a gut feeling that this was going to be the night so I packed my hospital bag and sure enough I was right. So I took a shower and went to the hospital around 5am. Grandma took sissy to daycare for us and then joined us in the hospital.
When we arrived to the hospital I was only a 1cm dilated like I had been for weeks. After a couple hours and no progress they started us on Pitocin. That made the contractions so frequent I could hardly breathe which ended up with me getting that amazing epidural. I was checked again at 4cm then I decided to take a little nap while I was pain free. Daddy got hungry of course so he went to go grab some food. I woke up less than an hour later and and had the doctors check me again cause I had a feeling you were ready. They werent expecting you until much later that afternoon. However, you were right there and ready. Daddy came back to the room and was a little disappointed that he didnt have time to eat his food lol. I called Aunt Tiffy and she rushed over to be there with us as well.
Mommy's no wimp and sure wasn't gonna mess around with this birthing stuff and I got you out as fast as I could. The doctor & nurses were impressed. After what seemed like just a few minutes of pushing there you were. You entered this world on May 4th, 2010 at 1:46pm weighing in at 9 pounds 1 ounce and was 22 inches long. I was a little shocked by how big you were considering your sister was only 6 pounds. You were very blue in the face because you came so fast but you were blue and beautiful. I had so many thoughts and emotions at that point I can't even describe. I was now a mother of 2 amazing children and I had the best of both worlds.. I had a prince and a princess =) Daddy, Grandma, Aunt Tiffy, Heather & Danielle were all there for your arrival. Papa Bainter and Big Sissy came soon after. Sissy's face was priceless when she saw you. She had been waiting for what seemed like years to her to meet you. In fact, she chose your name. We gave her several choices and Collin it was. Your middle name, James, is after your Great Grandpa Jim and your Uncle Tim (middle name), and your Great Uncle Jimmy on your dads side. Sissy couldn't wait to take you home to hold you, feed you, change your diapers, etc. She loves you sooo much!! You have been blessed with the best big sister a little brother could ever ask for.
Our first year together has been quite the learning experience and full of milestones for both of us. We learned to breastfeed and have made it through the first year now. I am so proud to have been given the strength to give you the best milk possible. It wasn't always easy and there were many times I wanted to give up but I pushed through the tough times for you. We learned all about natural health. We learned about the benefits of chiropractic care instead of drugs. We learned about baby wearing. "If I can't hear your heartbeat.. you're to far away"...that quote fits you perfectly. Even now that you're walking, you are still sure to keep me in sight at all times. You're my little shadow. After a bad experience with your sister being vaccinated, we learned more about the toxic vaccines and have battled the pushy doctors to keep the immune system god gave you. We didnt have to worry about SIDS, Acid Reflux, etc because you are a very healthy little boy free of toxins and all that other yucky stuff. The only 'health' problems you had was the middle ear infection issue that was an easy fix. You are living proof to all those who are against our choices with so many things. We learned how to make baby food which then led to learning about baby led weaning since you weren't a fan of the mushy stuff. I don't blame you though =)
You rolled over at 3 months old, got your first tooth at 4 months old, started scooting and sitting up on your own at 6 months old, pulling up and crawling at 7 months old, standing at 9 months old, first steps at 10 months old, and walking at 11 months old.
You have grown SO much this year and together we have accomplished so many things. I'll admit, I was scared to have a boy and never thought I'd enjoy having a boy as much as I did a girl but we have a bond like no other and I wouldn't change anything for the world. You are Mommy's Little Big Man!! I love you so much and look forward to the toddler years and all the fun things to come. Happy First Birthday Collin James!!!
