Jake's 9

Today, my dear oldest child and only son, Jake, turns 9. It seems like just yesterday I was being called to go to the hospital to be induced with him. I brought a deck of cards and my mom insisted that I would not feel like playing cards in the hospital, I'd be in too much pain. But alas, no contractions for Karrie and at around 3:00 after lots of games of gin, and hours of pitocin, Jake's little heart was distressed and he couldn't take much more of this long labor (at that point I was dilated to a 2, and I got to the hospital at a 1), so Dr. Layton recommended a a c-section. I don't remember much after that, just being scared. At that point things moved really fast. I was given some medicine and about 2 minutes alone with Jeremy, then off to the OR. By 3:30 Jake was here, with his loud hearty cry, big mouth and what I thought was red hair. I was taken back to my room without him where I got to start making calls. I was super cheery because I was totally numb and my family couldn 't believe I had really had him. It was quite funny. I hadn't even really gotten a chance to hold him and soon everyone started showing up to see the cutie.

It wasn't until the next day that I felt like I really bonded with Jake. We had a lot of alone time and it was cherished. He was perfect and, oddly, I fell in love with his ears. To me they signified how perfect his tiny body was.

Jake has been such a great boy over the years. He is cute, smart, very coordinated, a fiery competitor, a vigorous teaser, avid sports fanatic and a gentle soul all at the same time. Happy Birthday Jake, I love you!

Jake went through a mad Superman phase. He wore his cape ALL the time. He would go to Walmart in it and ALL the old people would comment on how safe they felt knowing they had the Man of Steel protecting them at the store. This picture is of Jake being Clark Kent with his cape sticking out of his shirt and tie.

Jake at the end of this soccer season. He is a really good soccer player with some amazing moves. He's a lot of fun to watch when he drives up the field for a score.

Jake had his first piano recital last night. He did really well. I'm so proud of him. He only sometimes complains about practicing and he's learning so much. Way to go!