Happy 21st Birthday Bryan

Wow, it's hard to believe that it has already been 21 years since you came into this world . When people tell you that children grow up fast, they weren't kidding. The years have flown! It seems just yesterday that Dad was talking to you,telling you not to make us go to the hospital until he had his coffee and read the paper and to please be born within a reasonable time. This was after spending 18 hours in labor and going through 3 shifts of nurses with your brother. Gee, poor Dad! But you listened to Dad, probably one of the few times in your life, and we didn't have to head to the hospital until 7:00 am and you were born a few minutes before 1:00 pm.

When they laid you in my arms you alternately cried and tried to put your fist in your mouth, obviously hungry. That didn't change much when you went home, you were trying to drink 8 ozs. of formula when most newborns drink 2 ozs.

Maybe that was the reason you cried most of the 1st year - and didn't sleep, you were hungry!!

The nurses in the nursery absolutely loved you because you liked to be held and rocked. You have always been so affectionate and loving. After that first year you were a happy child, always laughing and you had the most wonderful laugh.

Always the jokester, it was hard to stay mad at you. As I was giving you a "stern talking to" you would usually come up with some quip that would make me start laughing. So much for disciplining!

As you got older that sense of humor turned into telling me stories with a straight face. Then when I believed you, you would laugh and tell me how gullible I am.

Well baby boy it's been a wonderful 21 years and I'm looking forward to many more. You are truly a gift from God and I am happy He gave you to me. There's nothing better than being a mom. I love you very much!!