Six Years Ago

I'll never forget six years ago.

We knew we were having a baby boy. We knew his name would be Quinn.

Since I had high blood pressure, I was induced the day before Thanksgiving. I thought for sure I'd have a baby in about 8 or so hours.

Boy, was I wrong.

After 23 hours of labor and 3, yes, THREE, hours of pushing - I finally got to meet my first baby.

Thanksgiving morning, 2004 - I met the boy who made me into a Mom.

Since then, he's had me laughing, crying, giggling, sighing, jumping, chasing, singing, and dancing.

As frustrating as it is at times, being his mom, I need to admit - he is such a good boy. He tries so hard to do everything. Sometimes I wonder if I push him too much. He wants everything to be "just right." Today I saw him taking turns with the bell on the train at the mall - no adult in there to prompt this - just him saying, "here, it's your turn this time" as the train rounded the corner.

I had the true pleasure of seeing him in his prekindergarten classroom last week. He was so excited to have me there. He had quite possibly the biggest smile on his face. He did so good that morning - showing me all around the classroom, remembering to tell his classmates "thank you" when they gave him a picture they colored or wished him happy birthday, and most importantly, he was so polite to his teachers. "yes please" "thank you" and "your welcome" were flowing out of his mouth so naturally. He was happy to be there, with me, at his school.

Sometimes I feel like I'm muddling through this parenting gig, especially with him, my oldest son. My first baby.