Happy 10th Birthday, Kyle!

Hello friends,

It is so hard to believe that my baby is 10 years old today!

It seems like only yesterday Donnie & I were anxiously awaiting the birth of Kyle - our first child. I can remember waking up that night to go to the bathroom and realizing that my water broke. After a quick call to the doctor we were on our way to the hospital! I was absolutely terrified . . . not knowing what to expect as I had heard to many different childbirth stories from friends.

And unfortunately, Kyle was not an easy delivery. I was induced the next morning because I never did go into labor after my water breaking. I progressed quickly, had the epidural and was ready to push in 5 hours. I thought I was doing so well . . . until we all realized that Kyle wasn't coming very easily. He was face up and his shoulders were stuck. My epidural was cut off in the hopes of me being able to push better. Needless to say, after over 4 hours of strenuous pushing - with no epidural - I was completely exhausted and I had several truly terrifying moments when I thought I just wasn't going to make it. Never in my life had I been in so much pain and never in my life had fear and worry consumed my heart so violently. Finally, after pushing with every ounce of my being and the doctor pulling with forceps as hard as he could -

Kyle was born.

And I sobbed with relief that his birth was over . . . and then I sobbed even louder when I realized that Kyle and I were both fine. It was not at all a fun experience . . . not at all the type of birth that was talked about in our lamaze class! It was truly a terrifying time for all and Donnie jokes that he still has nightmares about Kyle's birth! In fact, I can remember telling Donnie moments after Kyle was born that Kyle would be an only child - because there was NO WAY I was doing that again.

But then they placed my sweet baby in my arms and I instantly felt such an overwhelming feeling of love wash over me. And at that very moment all the pain and worry was absolutely worth it when I looked at Kyle's sweet face. At that very moment, I became a mother. And it didn't take me very long to completely forget about the pain . . . and want another baby! Donnie calls it "Mommy Amnesia." :0)

Kyle has blessed our life in so many ways. He is such a neat kid . . .

He is so smart - especially in math and science. He has a natural way with numbers and can figure out most problems in his head. Long ago I realized he was way smarter than his Momma! :)

He has a memory that doesn't forget anything! He loves dinosaurs and learning all about pre-historic life. It absolutely fascinates him. His favorite show is Prehistoric Planet - on the Discovery Kids channel. Kyle is very affectionate and so very sweet! He is very in tune with me. He always knows if I am sad or upset or worried about something and he does not like me to be sad at all - it bothers him a lot. He is very sensitive and kind-hearted. He follows the rules and is brutally honest. He is so loving and gives the best hugs. Kyle just has a way of making me happy.

But Kyle's life has not been without a few obstacles . . .

He was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD 4 years ago.

I can remember being devastated and so very worried about him . . . laying awake many nights praying for Kyle.

But one night while praying I thought of the following scripture . . .

"I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me."

Psalm 139:14

And I realized that God created Kyle in a wonderful, perfect way.

Kyle is absolutely wonderful in the eyes of God and God loves him just the way he is!

And we think Kyle is pretty wonderful, too!

Kyle has the biggest heart! And although he definitely sees the world a little differently than I do -

I have learned so much from him and I love him with all of my heart and soul!

I have to admit that there are still some days when worry creeps in - especially as Kyle gets older. But we have never focused on his issues, but instead focused on his abilities. Kyle has thrived and there is no doubt in my mind that Kyle will do BIG things in life. He is one special kid and I am beyond blessed to be his Mom!

Happy 10 years, Kyle!

May you always know how much you are loved and how we thank God for YOU!

3 days old

6 months old

15 months old
2 years old
3 years old


4 years old


5 years old


6 years old

7 years old
8 years old
9 years old
Happy 10th Birthday!
"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes."
~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.


We celebrated Kyle's birthday on Sunday and just had the best time.
I will update soon with pictures and video!

So thankful for the gift of Kyle,