Happy First Birthday Bryce!

My sweet little baby boy,
Today you are a year old, the big number 1- and our lives are changing. They are changing for the better. We had a rough year. A year ago right now, you were still in my belly, moving around, making me wonder how the rest of the day would go. Well- it would not go as I suspected and either would the next year.

On the day you were born I had to leave your sister- which is what I was most nervous about, not the IV, c-section or meeting you. I had never left her for that long- and I knew I would be in the hospital for 2 days for sure. As I re-assured myself that she would be fine (she was with Grandma), and that I would see her later, we got ready to go to the hospital to meet you.

We got to the hospital at 10am- when we were told to be there. We were scheduled to be in the OR at noon. I knew that wouldn't happen because just like with Danika's c-section- they are always late, and booked c-sections come after emergency ones. So we waited. Finally just after noon they put us in this little room with a tv and video machine. We tried to watch a movie- but were too excited. Finally at about 7- when the new nurse came on shift- they decided to see what was going on. And Finally got us in to the OR to prep to meet you. You weren't ready to meet us- the 2 male doctors had to get on top of me and push you out! But you were perfect, beautiful and amazing. I looked at you as my eyes filled with tears.

The next few hours were crazy. Then just after your daddy went home for the night, they woke me up to tell me that you were in the NICU. And still to this day we are not sure exactly for what- but you were there for 17 days. It was 17 days of happy and sad tears- but thanks to great doctors and nurses we were able to bring you home.

You were always a good baby, slept good, ate good- we thought Danika was a good baby- but I have to honestly say- you were better (please don't make up for this later in life!).

We had a great summer, going to the zoo, Riley park, and for walks. You just loved doing anything we were doing.

In October we celebrated your first Thanksgiving with your first plane ride. I took you and Danika out to visit Grandma and Auntie Donna. While we were there you got to finally meet your Great Grandma- Grandpa's mom, who unfortunately passed away just before Christmas. When we were in BC we did a few more of your firsts- a trip to a farm where you got to pet a goat and sheep, your first boat ride around false creek, and seeing the ocean. You also got to meet Hardy- who you loved too (grandma's dog). It was a good trip.

While we were there we found out that I was going in for surgery to have my gall bladder out- and that is basically where our time ended for your first year. I went in at the end of October and had that done- I wasn't allowed to pick you up for 6 weeks. I was so wanting that time to be over. But then I got more pains and at the end of November is when I got diagnosed with ALL (Leukemia). I spent a ton of time in the hospital, and you spend many of your days and nights with one of your Grandma's. I missed so much, and for this I am sorry- but I am also thankful that I am still around for the rest of your life.

Thanks to your Uncle Ryan, who gave me stem cells for a transplant- I am here with you today. I still can't lift you- because you are a big boy. But as soon as I can- you watch out! I love to cuddle with you- and watch you be a silly boy. I am in remission now, and my job is to get better. Once I do I have so many plans on what I want to do with you and your sister.

I just can't believe you are one today. You are my big little boy. You are such a good baby, and always were. You love to eat and will try anything- and even if you make faces, you still eat it. You love to drink out of your sisters straw cups- but if we give you your own- you wont drink out of it. You can say "momma" "dadda" and "ni ni"- when you say ni ni- you put your head down on your arm and pretend to sleep- it is so cute. You love to laugh- mainly at your sister. The one person in your life that you wont laugh for is your Auntie Lindsay- and we aren't sure why! You have learned to stand up- but not walk yet- but that is coming soon I am sure! You really want to catch your sister.

Please know my little man that I plan to make our future better than our first year- although it was filled with many good things, it had some rough times in it. We got through them- but that was enough for a life time, all in one year! I am planning on many more trips on the airplane with you (and your sister, and maybe your dad!). I am planning on many more outing and fun times with you- so until you say "mom back off" I will be there for you!

Happy Birthday my little boy- I love you, Daddy loves you, Danika loves you and so does everyone else!