9 Years Ago

It's hard to believe it was nine years ago that I was great with child.  It was just following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.  I remember how worried I was that we may be going to war or that more attacks would follow, and here I was getting ready to bring a baby into this world. I had been on bed rest for nearly 3 months after pre-term labor started at a very early stage in my pregnancy.  I had been having contractions from that point on and was bedridden with a terbutaline pump that helped space the contractions apart. 

I remember so clearly the warm summer afternoon that I vacillated on whether or not to call the doctor. I had recently been given the ok to get off the meds and let things happen.  Since I'd been having contractions for months it was nothing out of the ordinary, but they were picking up.  I finally decided to call.  We took Jenna to her Mimi & Poppy's and headed over to the hospital.  I was dilated 3-4 centimeters.  They broke my water, and at 10:29 that night Jared McKade greeted us with his quivering lower lip. He looked sad and scared like he had so rudely been taken out of a really comfortable place and greeted with bright lights and strange people staring at him.

Like this:

One thing's for sure...time has flown by.  I am so thankful that we have been blessed with this boy.  He brings joy to our lives everyday!  Happy 9th Birthday, Jared!

Here's a little "slideshow" of him growing up...

We love you, Jared!