Fourteen!!

A mom never forgets the events surrounding the birth of her firstborn child, or any other of her offspring for that matter.  Over fourteen years ago, those events played out in my life.  It was an exceedingly stormy, summer night with massive downpours.  If all the “old wives tales” about heavy rain leading up to a baby’s birth were true, I was going to be delivering my son soon. 

I guess those old wives knew what they were talking about!  Just after 10pm, as Mike and I were getting into bed, my water broke.  Our little boy would be appearing shortly, almost three weeks ahead of schedule.

Upon arrival at the hospital, a quick check (as well as much painful confirmation) revealed our son was feet first – not a position in which he could safely be delivered naturally.  Within about three short hours, I was stretched on an operating table as the doctor delivered eight pound, two ounce baby Brandon via caesarean section.

The general consensus by the hospital staff was that our little boy looked just like his daddy.  While some of his features have changed over the years, his personality is a lot like his dad’s – patient, level-headed, self-controlled, and content. 

Of course, no child is perfect.  We see the best and worst in all of our kids.  But we are very proud of Brandon.  He successfully juggled a great deal this year, including a challenging eighth grade academic schedule that included several high school courses, piano lessons, a part time job, basketball, and Awana (both as a leader and a student).  Additionally, he wrote twenty-two Disney blog posts for the Mouse for Less website and has more in the works. 

And did I mention he wrote a book... in a month?! 

One of his highest accomplishments this year included completing a reading of the entire Bible, which he began in second grade.  His goal is now to read through the Bible in one year.  So far, he is on track!

Furthermore, he continues to be an excellent big brother, quick to offer help with difficult Lego creations, challenging puzzles, various projects, and school work.  He won Zachary’s admiration (and mine) by taking time out of his busy schedule to help his youngest brother build Star Wars paper airplanes. He is thoughtful with me, too, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed, at times without even being asked.

We celebrated Brandon’s fourteenth birthday last month.  My parents came to town (bringing him back from a week’s stay with them) for some of the festivities.  I cooked spaghetti, his favorite food, and served our family’s traditional M&M birthday cake.  The next day, he invited one of his oldest friends – one he played with before they could even talk – to supper at Sonic and a local minor league baseball game.  The following day, we celebrated with another tradition: cinnamon rolls for breakfast!  He enjoyed lots of birthday wishes all weekend from family and friends.

How thankful we are for that sweet little baby boy who has become a responsible, delightful fourteen year-old young man!!

“We give thanks to God always for you…” 1 Thessalonians 1:2a