It’s a ONE-derful world!

Brayden is one! It’s been a crazy year. Five days in the hospital, four rounds of antibiotics, three ear infections, two bouts of RSV and one case of croup couldn’t keep Brayden down. And you’ve been with us for every step (and story) along the way.

I couldn’t sleep the night before Brayden’s birthday. I was filled with anxious, excited memories of the night he was born. It’s really true what they say about the “memory haze” mothers experience. Although the pain was mind blowing and I lost a quarter of my blood (and almost needed an emergency transfusion/surgery!), I recall the event fondly. I remember seeing his precious face, hearing his sweet little cry and touching his soft skin. Our perfect baby was born at 3:33a on September 1, 2010, and Brian’s and my heart exploded with joy.

Fast forward to today, and Brayden is a healthy, happy little boy with the best smile in the world. It stops people in their tracks at stores all the time! Brayden can stand on his own and walk while holding onto something, and he “talks” and laughs all the time. It’s so much fun watching him grow up.

Here are his one-year stats:

Weight: 18 lb. 12 oz.
Height: 30 inches
Eyes: Blue-ish green
Hair: A totally unique color – golden honey caramel with glints of auburn
Teeth: Six (Four on top and two on the bottom)

The morning of his birthday, we dressed him in his “My First Birthday” outfit (thanks Nana!) and snapped a bunch of pictures.

At daycare, they had decorated the room with a big poster and he had a bunch of presents waiting for him.

After a fun day with his friends and teachers, Brian, Grandma Karen, and I brought Brayden to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.

Brayden happily fed himself yummy mashed potatoes…

…and rode on the birthday saddle!

It’s hard to believe the teeny, tiny baby they put in my arms can now wrap his around me. And it’s the best feeling in the world.

P.S. Stay tuned for a post about his fabulous birthday party this Sunday!