Happy Birthday Nolan!

It was a special night as we snuggled tonight on the couch. You were able to stay up extra late to watch the Superbowl!

You glanced at the clock and saw that it was two hours until your birthday, and you said to me:

"Mommy, you know what happens at twelve o'clock?"
"What happens?" I answered....
"That's when I start to grow, cause it'll be my birthday!"

You are too cute, my dear!

I remember your birthday like it was yesterday. Here is what I wrote in your baby book:

Mommy was due to have you on January 29, 2002. That day came and passed and there was still no sign of you. On February 1st, Mommy and Auntie Erin went to a baby shower for Baby Denver who was born a few weeks earlier. We spoke for a very long time and didn't get home til 12:30am on February 2nd.

Mommy didn't think you would ever get here! Daddy was waiting for us when we got home after the baby shower. At 1:30am, Mommy went upstairs to brush her teeth. As she stood at the sink brushing her teeth, she had her first contraction!

Daddy was already asleep in bed, and Auntie Erin, Cosette and Mark were sleeping across the hall. Mommy started timing her contractions and they were already 5 minutes apart and it was barely 2:00am!

Mommy took a shower, woke up Daddy, and told Auntie Erin that we were going to go to the hospital! Mommy called Gramma and Grampa in Maine to tell them that you were on your way. Our son was finally coming!

We arrived at Sycamore Shoals Hospital at 3:30am. We were quickly admitted and Mommy was brought to her room. Her contractions were coming every 4-5 minutes and were starting to get painful. At first Mommy didn't want any kind of pain medications, but as time went on she changed her mind.

When the nurses checked Mommy, they told her she was 2cm dilated. Mommy and Daddy thought that it would go quickly, but they soon learned that you would take your time! By 11:30am, Mommy was still only 3cm. She decided to walk the halls for an hour to help things progress. After 45 minutes of walking, Mommy was in too much pain to continue. The nurses checked her again, and things had barely progressed! By this time, Mommy wanted drugs!

Around 4pm, Mommy had finally made it to 4cm and was able to get an epidural. But the Dr who was going to give it to her was busy, so she ended up waiting until 6pm. Mommy was very happy when the Dr finally arrived!

Auntie Erin, Cosette and Mark showed up around 7pm and Grammy and Grandpa Jordan were in the waiting room with them. Auntie Erin came to be with Mommy in her room. Mommy felt a lot better when there was no pain! The nurse decided to give her some pitocin to help you get here faster. By 9pm, Mommy was fully dilated and was ready to push!

Gramma and Grampa in Maine were on the phone while Mommy pushed so they could hear you arrive! Mommy pushed and pushed and at 10:03pm on February 2, 2002.....Nolan Donald Jordan was born!!! You weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and measured 21 inches long!

Where did that little baby go?

When I look back over the last 7 years, I see a little toddler who would throw the meanest tantrums...and I also see a little boy who sings praises to Jesus. I see a 3 year old who had a will so strong that he would bang his head against the wall just to spite his mother....and a 7 year old who is quick to apologize and ask forgiveness as soon as he has done something wrong.

I thank God for the work He has done in your life and I thank Him for the work that He continues to do. You are a special boy and I love you so very much!

Happy Birthday Nolan!

Love,
Mommy