Bud

My friend LeShel finally had her baby boy yesterday. Following her through the past several months has been nostalgic for me as I remember each of my pregnancies. Hers has not always been smooth sailing and as she described her ups and downs I reminisce about what miserable pregnancies I had. I don't remember even trying to enjoy it I just wanted it to be over. LeShel is such a positive person and although her feet would swell up like this, she always found a positive way to spin things (at least when she was blogging).

Thirteen years ago today I was finally able to end my first miserable pregnancy with a healthy baby "Bud". Thinking back I remember thinking "I will never do this again." I had a rough pregnancy, delivery, and recovery! I had a catheter for weeks after he was born due to the damage that ensued as a result of his entry into the world, I wasn't able to breastfeed, he was allergic to cows milk, and we were real poor and struggled to buy the fancy formula required to keep him from projectile vomiting 24 hours a day. But it was all worth it looking back...he was sooo wonderful. He slept through the night at 8 weeks and I loved just sitting with him all day and watching him grow.

At around 9 weeks he had a seizure that landed us in Primary Children's for a few days. We never had a recurrence (thankfully) and it was never determined exactly what caused the wires to cross in his little noggin.

I found a few pictures that describe the adventure that has been the past 13 years with Bud. No one can adequately describe what life with Bud has been like as he is as unique as a $3 bill. Hopefully these pictures can give a bit of a glimpse.

Age 1

Age 2

By 18 months we had to Bud proof the house. We bungeed ovens, dishwashers and fridges shut. We even used bungees to hold the kitchen chair legs together under the table so that he wouldn't use them to wreck havoc or get himself killed.

2 years and already working the phones

Nana's favorite picture. This about sums up Bud's whole personality.

He LOVED The Price is Right and Blues Clues. He had every Blues Clues gizmo, gadget and replica known to man. Here he is singing with his Blue. Cute Bud.

Hmmm...how did he get up there? I can guarantee that those chairs are bungeed together under that table.


Easter Sunday Age 6

Age 7 at the Salt Lake Bees game.

Age 8

We enrolled him in a hip hop dance class for a few years and he really loved showing his 'tude. He was one "bad" dude.

He started football at age 11. I had always said we could try it when he was 12. Not only was it hard holding his dad off that long, his pediatrician took one look at him at his yearly check up and told me I was crazy not to let him play. "He will not be the one to get hurt in a collision" he said. "He is built for the game and somewhere there is a team out there searching for a player just like him." Dad was thrilled, Bud was scared and so was mom and we forked over the wad of cash and registered. I have to admit, it was the best thing we could have done for him. His confidence, body image, self esteem, social skills, work ethic and overall health have benefited so much from the two years he has played. He has a real talent and improves every day he is on the field. (He is also dang cute when he's all decked out in his uniform.)

The whole family; Nana, Papa, Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Jay and baby Connor all come out to see him play each week. I wonder some times if he is as excited as the rest of us for the season to start.

His first year of Jr. High was a learning experience as I know it is with all 12 year olds. He has learned how to deal with peer pressure better, manage is school work more efficiently (so dad doesn't have to make a surprise visit to school to remind him), and he has also learned how to handle the tough obstacles life throws his way. He has grown spiritually and we are so proud of him.

I can't believe it has been 13 years. It is kinda of sad for a mom to realize her kids are getting older and more independent. Bud is a good kid. He always has been kind and compassionate to others. He is patient and understanding with his brother (most of the time). He loves to get together with family every Sunday. He enjoys being around people and appreciates what life has to offer.

We love our Bud.