I met Bubby for the first time

It was 5 am May 8th 2008, Conor and I had scheduled our c-section at St. Josephs hospital. I was more ready then ever to meet my second son JJ.

I had arrived to the hospital with makeup on and hair done, already aware of the anesthesiologist on duty for that day (cause I'm OCD and called ahead). Anytime you're about to get cut opened, you want to be assured it's someone who's good at giving you the drugs. Fortunately, Dr. Lee was a great anesthesiologist, got the the epidural the first time and we discussed Lakers play offs during it all. 

Once that was set, I was all ready for Dr. Zepeda for the second time in just over a year to slice me open and introduce me to my 2nd baby boy.

At 8:21 am I met my bubby all 8 lbs and 2 oz of him

This time around was so much easier than the first. K became an emergency C-section when I got a fever and he was not advancing. 
So when I was given an option of which route to have baby #2 I decided to do a second c-section.

K was a big brother!

Overall, the second time around was so much easier. After pain was worse but I persevered through it.

I hold these feet in my hands to this day it's just not as small.

I already knew how to be on the "go" and multitask.

I literally look back on this time and wonder how we got through it and realize, it was only by the grace of God.

First Christmas. And just to let you know, I think to this day J likes to wear hats, just like his Momma!

First hair cut.

He's saying he's turning "4" here and he really is.

First Easter

This was a few days before he turned one. I was trying to get him to walk by his first birthday, and well, as God would have it, he didn't. J started walked at 14 months, but we practiced and practiced.

Infamous bath in the sink

Trying to take a cute picture for his first Bday invitations took several attempts. My J is all about comfort. To this day he'll wear sweat pants aka "nice pants" for comfort over fashion. So in this picture being so close to the prickly poky grass was not going to provoke a smile.

First Birthday party!

All bundled for the snow

"Mom, put the camera down"

"Did I miss my mouth?"

Park time

Swimming in Cabo

Birthday #2

First time at the movie theaters watching Toy Story 3!

Gymnastics!

Birthday #3

Homeschooling and such a great student!

Helping Momma pump gas

My lil'J is infamous for falling asleep in the most awkward of places. Since infancy he loves sleeping on his tummy. I've found J asleep on a stair step, door ways are popular and even on the landing between the stairs when I accidentally stepped on him. I tuck him into bed but he manages to sneak somewhere other than in his bed.

Flying his kite

 And today May 7th. 
I watched him play, run, laugh, talk and think. I love taking candid little pictures of him as he stares off. His innocent loving little heart and mind thinking Lord knows what.  

Bubby, 

      Life isn't fair, nor is it suppose to be. Sometimes we don't get everything we want when we want it. And many times we get things when we least expect it, that's how I got you.
      I wasn't expecting you, but as God would have it you came and I couldn't imagine my life with you coming any later (and well, earlier isn't really possible). Even though you're Dad is gone, God uses you to remind me how gentle hearted and loving he was. 
      Bubby,  you are and will always be my baby. You remind to never let you grow bigger and you always keep me on my toes. You are an answer to a prayer that I didn't know I had. I was blessed beyond belief 4 years ago when I met you for the first time. 
        I love you. I love your spirit, your countenance and your loving heart. I will continue to learn from you and grow into be a better Mommy for you and your brother.
Happy birthday and I love you.
Always, Mommy