Today Walker turned one year old. I really can't believe it has been a year. This past year has been crazy for us but in a good way. Walker was born, Ellie turned one and Jason graduated from Tech with his Masters degree. It all flew by so fast. I have tried to take pictures every chance I get and I spent a lot of time today looking back at Walker's first year. It is very bitter sweet because I might not get to have another baby. This might be our last one year old ever. Every time I looked at the clock today I thought back to this day a year ago and what was happening at that time. Walker's birth had quite a bit more excitement in it than Ellie's did. Ellie was a planned induction and I went into labor with Walker while I was at work. I remember meeting my sister in Las Colinas and thinking my contractions were coming more regular and getting a little bit stronger. I had gone to the doctor the Monday before and I was already dilated to a three but didn't think much of that because I was like that with Ellie for three weeks. Apparently the second one comes a little bit faster. Jason was in Jacksonville, FL and I remember calling him that morning because I didn't feel really well and I really thought I was going to have Walker really soon. Jason started making plans to get home and Sarah called my Mom so she could check out flights from Amarillo. I had made plans with our babysitter at the time to take Ellie overnight if this happened while Jason was out of town. So, Sarah follows me home from Las Colinas and we get ready to go to the hospital. By the time we get to the hospital my contractions are about 1 - 2 minutes apart. We got to the hospital (Amy, my best friend was right behind us the whole way) and got checked in and I was defiantly in labor. My Mom and Jason arrived about 15 minutes apart from each other but at different airports. Amy made the rounds to all the airports to pick everyone up, thank goodness for Amy. I got my epidural about 6:30 and it was smooth sailing after that. I remember my nurse coming in to check me because she was about to leave and instead she stayed and delivered Walker. From the last time she checked me to the time he was born it was about 13 minutes. He came out quickly at 10:51 PM. He weighed 5lbs 7oz. He was so tiny with a ton of hair. Both of my kids had a head full of hair when they were born and neither of them lost any of it. Walker had a little bit of trouble breathing at first but it all worked it self out quickly and he was just fine. By the time I got to my room that night it was well after 1:00 AM. I was exhausted as was Jason. We actually slept pretty good that night and the hospital stay wasn't that bad. Ellie came up the next day and met her little brother. She was only 10 1/2 months at the time so she didn't really understand what was going on at the time. She was just really excited there was a bunch of people in town. She actually did pretty well with the new addition to the family and bonded pretty quickly to Walker.
Now that a year has passed, Walker is such a funny little boy. He is really getting a personality and loves to stalk his sister when she has a bowl in her hand. He is not walking yet but is a very very fast crawler. He is our little chunky baby. He wears 18 month clothes and loves to eat. Walker is pretty relaxed and chilled except for when he is hungry or tired. We love him so much and even though it has not been the easiest year (or two) we wouldn't change it for anything in the world.
Below are a few pictures from our little get together tonight. Thanks to Michael and Amy for letting us use their house tonight since our kitchen is in the middle of a remodel. We are having a small birthday party for Ellie and Walker later in May with family and friends. I figure I can have a joint party for a little bit longer. I know at some point Ellie won't want any boys at her party and Walker definitely won't want any girls at his. So I am taking advantage of this for as long as I can.
Walker with his cake
Walker opening a few gifts. He LOVED Elmo Live!! He got the biggest smile on his face when he saw Elmo!
This was Walker about 3 days after he was born. I think this was his second day at home.
Look at all his hair. He still has a ton of hair it is just a little bit lighter.
