Happy Birthday Braden

Just Days Old!

One Years Old and SO BIG!

Two Years Old and LOVES to Eat!

Three Years Old and a BUSY Boy!

Four Years Old - A REALLY AMAZING KID!

Wow - Four Years Old. I remember the day Braden was born like it was yesterday. I remember how scared and how excited I was. I remember being overwhelmed with instant love the moment I saw him. A love I didn't know existed and suddenly couldn't imagine my life without. I remember all of our visitors in the hospital and every first...first bath, first cry, first smile, first time in the car seat, first time at home, etc. Every moment felt like one we should celebrate.

Braden you have been such an amazing little boy. I can't believe that you are already four. In honor of your fourth birthday I will tell you about the four things I love about you the most...

1. I love what big heart you have. You are so thoughtful and kind to others. Yes - at times your four year old self shines brighter with words like, "mine," "NO," and your arms swing with intention but overall you have a heart like your daddies. Soft and Huge. Room for everyone and everything.

2. I love how much you love animals. Since you were teeny, tiny you have loved animals. You could make animal noises before you could talk and gravitate towards anything having to do with them. You love playing with them, reading books about them and asking questions about them. You got this trait from your Nana!

3. I love how you read your books. I've never seen another child more taken with books. You can sit for hours reading quietly in your room. You love to turn through the pages and have just started to "read" books to us as well. We go to the library when we can and you enjoy picking out books of all topics and lengths. You LOVE being read to and reading on your own. I absolutely love this about you. It is part of what makes you such a smart little boy and of course the teacher in me thinks there couldn't be any better way to spend your time!!

4. I love listening to you talk. After you had your surgery and you could finally hear perfectly, your vocabulary just took off. It's been fun lately listening to you use expressions and phrases that adults use. You experiment with words just learned and most often use them appropriately. I often find myself wondering where you have learned all of the wonderful vocabulary you use. You express yourself very well Braden - maybe we have a public speaker in our midst!

Happy Birthday Honey - I love you, Daddy loves you, Olivia loves you and the list goes on. You are such a special part of our family and as your Papa would say, "You're doing such a good job growing up!"