Twelve

I have a 12-Year Old.  I have been a mom for 12 Years.  Sometimes you feel like time is flying by so fast.  But, then I also feel like I can barely remember my life before I was a mom.

As I look at this photo I remember feeling this overwhelming rush of feelings: love, fear, protectiveness, trepidation, excitement, anxiety, and happiness.  All these feelings come at me and yet, when I looked into Patrick's sweet little face, it all melted away and I just wanted to just "be his mom".

Patrick at 10 Weeks

Pat and I were just married a year when Patrick was born.  We were still learning about each other and then we added a baby to the mix.  Life was stressful and crazy and wonderful all at the same time.  I went from working at a job that I LOVED and hated to leave, to being home full-time with a baby.  Thankfully, Patrick was a piece of cake and such a joy.  He loved being read to, talked to, and sung to.  He was easy.  We loved being parents and taking him places and giving him all our attention.

Patrick 14 months

When Patrick was just 6 months old, we found out we were going to be having another baby.  I didn't know how I was going to have two kids so close in age and yet give both the attention they needed.  There were definitely some sleepless nights and days without showers, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  Patrick adored his little brother and was so patient while I tended to Bennett.  This is when Patrick fell in love with watching The Wiggles and Barney and would occupy his time with singing and dancing.  Who knew then that he would grow up to be so musically talented?!?!  I worried, as most parents do, that I was taking things away from him by having another child so soon.  I worried that he would "miss out" on things.  But, as I know now, it was the way it was supposed to be.  Bennett didn't liked to be rocked much, so since Bennett wanted to be put in his crib to fall asleep, I was able to go back and spend my one on one time rocking Patrick.  There were many books read and songs sung during that time.  How precious that time was to me.

Bennett and Patrick have been the best brothers and friends.  I am so grateful they have each other.  I have always told them that because they have a brother, they will always have a best friend.

Patrick loves sports and music.  He is talented in piano, plucking out a tune after hearing it on the radio or memorizing a song after just a few practices.  He is an awesome drummer and loves to pound out a new beat on his set.  He loves to shoot baskets and can be seen (and heard) in our driveway shooting hoops until dark.  If we can't find Patrick he is usually in the basement, playing a basketball, football, or baseball video game or watching sports center.  If you need to know history or stats on a team or athlete, Patrick is your man!

Patrick has fit perfectly into his role of first born, being a great big brother to both Bennett and Reagan.

I found this photo on the computer that Patrick must have taken with the webcam.  This photo shows his true personality.  He is witty, funny, insightful, and bright.

These 12 years have been such a joy.  I'm so proud to be Patrick's mom.  Patrick I love you and I hope that every day you go to bed knowing that you are loved and we are so proud of you.

Happy Birthday Patrick!