Carson's 1st Birthday

It's hard to believe that exactly a year ago today I was about to lay down in bed with Callie (my only child) to rub her back and hold her close. Something inside me told me this was my last night with her alone. The fear of every mother about to have her second..how to share her love. You would show me that my heart could double in size before she was awake the next morning. Around 9:30 I woke up in her bed from dozing off and felt a few cramps, but really didn't think much of it. It was normal to feel miserable at 40 weeks pregnant. I was probably awake a total of 30 seconds. Long enough to move from bed to bed. I woke up right after midnight (on my due date!) then 15 minutes later I woke up again. I had a text "how are you feeling?" from my mom. Mama always knows best! It's about then I felt my first "real" contraction hit me. Mom was on her way to stay with Callie. I sat up for another half hour trying to convince myself this wasn't really labor. When the contractions came a minute apart and took my breath away I knew it was time to wake Daniel up (he can sleep through ANYTHING..as you will learn in the months to come). My mom arrived and we were on our way to FMC. I shouldn't leave out the fact that you were born in the middle of a snow storm. We got to the hospital and I was already 6 cm dilated. The lady checking us in was convinced I wasn't really in labor and our nurse was a little surprised how calm I was. I think the only words I said were "I'm not too late for the epidural am I?" You were born with a single push with our favorite doctor there. I will never forget the tears in her eyes as you took your first breath.

Carson Michael Joyner you are the most perfect little boy I have ever laid eyes on. You have shown me the love of a "mama's boy" and then some. I held you a little closer because I knew just how fast you babies grow up on us. Even though you can hold your own bottle and put yourself to bed I still rock you every night. These days are coming to an end faster then I want to admit.

You have taught me so much about being a mom that only a 2nd child can do. During our 12 week maternity leave we spent 3 days a week, just the 2 of us. I remember holding you and while you slept and being shocked by just how calm life felt. The other 2 weekdays Callie joined us and I got to learn what being a mom of 2 was all about. Looking back what felt like the big issues like "mommy I want juice!" and not having a hand to give it to her that exact second were just the little issues. Life is a little crazy at times...but it's good and we wouldn't have it any other way. We can't wait to continue to watch you both grow!

At 1 year you are walking (like not crawling at all anymore), into everything (like seriously everything), you have 7 teeth, like to eat anything and everything, are down to drinking ~3 bottles a day, love playing with your sister, you wear 18 month clothes & size 5 diapers, are a huge mama's boy, and sleep about 9-11 hours a night (thank you!)

This weekend we are having a Barnyard Bash for you with all of our friends and family. We are SO excited to see everyone!! Please remember to come hungry!