Happy Birthday, Blake!

Happy 11th Birthday to my oldest child, Blake.

Eleven years ago we went into the hospital to have everything checked out and determine the best course of action since he was breach and my blood pressure was ridiculously high anytime I did anything more than breath. The doctor said the baby looked good, but with his head solidly stuck under my ribs there would be no hope of his turning. So, we would definitely need to have a c-section.

We asked the next logical question, "when?" And the doctor said, "Surgery will be ready in about 30 minutes. Are you ready?" Gulp. We had no idea all the experiences that lay ahead in the days, month and years to follow. Wouldn't trade them for the world.

Not much more than an hour later we welcomed Blake, boasting a very healthy set of lungs, and quickly dispelling any concern that his unfavorable position the past couple months had caused any damage.

Since that day he has rarely ceased to amaze us.

Happy Birthday, my wood-workin' baseball-lovin' God-fearin' big-brother math-whiz young man!