Reminiscing

Two years ago I remember being in the hospital waiting for our baby boy to be born. We had arrived the previous afternoon around 4pm and I was starving! Watched some tv to pass the time with both sets of parents and Jordan in the room but by midnight, Jeff tried his best to make everyone laugh and help pass what time was left.

You could say we all were anxious and just wanted to meet the little guy who'd been kicking and moving around inside me. Some fell asleep..

 At 3:14am on April 18th, 2009 our little bundle arrived. He was a whole month early, but by God's grace he was healthy!

Braydon Daniel weighed in at 5lbs & 14oz, he was 19 1/2 inches long. He was perfect and mommy and daddy were elated.

Daddy was first to feed and offically welcome Braydon into the world while the rest of us anxiously awaited our turns. Jordan had been in the waiting room and soon after was introduced to his new baby brother.

After a long night, we were at peace. Experiencing the joy only our Lord could give us. Jeff and I had a new son, Jordan his very own brother. It was the most incredible new journey we could have asked for.

Over the last day or so, we've reminisced over the joy Braydon has brought to our family's lives in the past two years. We've all watched him grow from this tiny, helpless little being to an independent toddler.

Yes, he's 2 years old today. He loves balls and Mickey Mouse. Adores his big brother Jordy, is starting to understand there's a baby in mommy's tummy. Will say "Hi" to every dog or bird he sees. He's learning new words and sentences with each day that passes. He's growing faster than we are able to keep up but Braydon is such a blessing in our lives.

It's been so fun watching each child hit each milestone. It's also been bittersweet, I know with each day that passes our kids are growing, are getting older. It's so easy to get caught up with the hussle and bussle of every day duties, or correcting a child when they are being disobedient. A piece of me wants to sob, knowing that one day they'll be gone living their own lives, with their own families and I'll miss these times. I'll miss the constant noise at the dining room table during meals, running after each child to get them to bed or waking up before the sun rises. I know one day, I'll rise out of bed to silence. Prepare meals for only myself and Jeff and when we sit to eat, we'll reminisce about the days when we couldn't get a word in edgewise or have a peaceful moment between us.

A little over five months pregnant, I remember how little Jordan and Braydon were. How completely dependent on us they were. Time seems to have gone by so rapidly, sometimes I wonder if I really stopped to cherish my children. There was always that "finish line" with the boys, whether learning how to crawl, or walk or potty like a big boy; I wonder to myself did I really stop to experience the joy in each of those moments?

God is definitely showing me that through the hussle and bussle of each day I need to take time to experience His joy. I need to ask Him constantly to open my eyes, to help me slow down and see what's really infront of me. Imagine the joy God has as we grow in his word, I'm sure He wants me to experience that same joy with my children.