Happy Birthday Tyler!

Ten years ago today Tyler was born! I can't find the picture of me the day before I had him so put the two on we had from the hospital and our first family photo taken when he was 5 weeks old. Tyler had to keep things interesting by first trying to come too early which resulted in the most miserable bed rest of my life! I was on medications that made me throw up, shake and had to get steroid shots once a week. It was a long 6 weeks! As I got closer to my due date they pulled me off medications, but continued the shots thinking I would go into labor within days. The doctors weren't taking any chances that his lungs would be underdeveloped! Tyler ended up coming a day late past my due date. He conveniently waited for every bit of family to leave town and then decided to come hours later!

Being my first baby I wasn't sure what to expect. Earlier that week we had started moving our of our apartment to prepare for Zach going to basic training. The day before with all the family there for my sister's wedding I really just wanted left alone. I went to bed that night not feeling very well and after a restless night decided at 5am maybe I should go to the hospital. I wasn't too far along, but enough that they decided to keep me. I started throwing up and the nurse got all excited! I was not really thinking it was that funny, but they checked me and I had progressed very fast which was maing me throw up! So they started setting up, called the doctor to let her know she needed to come in and told us it would be a short time now. They kept asking if I wanted any pain meds and I kept refusing. I had had my fill of needles, shots and other torture so was not about to purposely let them poke and prod me more! The nurse in training was shocked and I really didn't feel the need to explain. I told her all I needed was Zach beside me and I would be fine. I delivered Tyler at 11:01 am and he weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces.

The only ones that knew we were at the hospital was my mom and brother. I guess we forgot to turn off our alarm and my brother went to complain to my mom who then reminded him that it was very likely we were at the hospital. They didn't bother me, just rounded up some help to finish clearing us out of our apartment. I was very grateful since I was not sure how we were going to finish all of that mess with a brand new baby! Zach was very overwhelmed and forgot to take any pictures so the few we have his mom took for us. Zach wouldn't let Tyler out of his sight. It was very hard for him especially since he was leaving for basic in just a few short months.

Tyler has always been our very repsonsible, mature and helpful child. It has changed a bit with his age and attitude, but I can say that it is because of him I have survived the last few deployments. He seems to know just when I need a break, help or to just be left alone. He has always been great with Cody, does his homework without any fighting, cleans his room, and I am just very grateful to have him in our family. Happy birthday, Tyler! I can't believe ten years has passed, but at the same time I am so excited to see what you become in ten more years!