Some days I just marvel at the passage of time. How can one event seem so long ago one moment and so, so short the next. This year has been filled with more ups and downs, trials and jubilation than I ever thought possible, all because a little boy came into the world one year ago!
I remember being so over being pregnant, so excited to meet our son and so frustrated that we still didn't have a name for him (because everyone still kept asking). I remember being frustrated the hospital wasn't ready for us when we arrived for our induction after they told me I couldn't eat, I remember being so nervous when the contractions started. I remember being in horrible pain when the lovely epidural stopped working. I remember feeling the strangest sensation and awe when Owen Daniel O'Brien finally made his way into the world.
The next few days, weeks and months were filled with the joys and frustrations of new parents trying to figure out how to continue being productive human beings, while learning to care for this little baby who seemed so vulnerable and changing. Slowly, we got the hang of different things. And slowly we understood we never would get the hang of others, and we'd all manage to survive.
Slowly our love for this little guy grew and grew and grew, to where it is hard to remember not knowing him and having him in our lives.
Owen, you are a true treasure. Your strong will is evident when you try to climb or open something you can't quite do yet, but you keep trying. Your sense of adventure is evident now that you can walk where ever you want by yourself. Your sense of humor is evident by the way you chase after Ryker and bury your head in his soft fur and laugh. Your love is evident when you walk up to one of us and give us an honest-to-goodness hug.
Happiest First Birthday, sweet boy. We love you more than words can say!!
