Happy Birthday Bryce!

Today my first born, Bryce, turns 11!! I can't even believe that it has been 11 years since the day that I was in that hospital room waiting to see him for the first time. We didn't even know that he was a boy, so we were very excited to find out. For me, there was nothing quite like having that first baby. Of course, every birth is exciting, but experiencing it for the first time was like no other.

(I know I look rough, he may be a cutie, but he took 33 hours of labor to get here!)
Bryce was always a happy baby. He has been a blessing from day 1. Here he is at 3 months:

and about 9 months:

When Bryce turned 2, his world was turned upside down when Braden was born. He took it all in stride. He was never jealous and was always very helpful and loved Braden.

He has always been so photogenic. I love taking his picture. He always strikes a pose without me even telling him to. He is three here.

He loves frogs and being outside.

Here he is playing tball when he was 4.

As he started school. I was sad to see him go, but was so busy at home with the little ones, that I knew he would love it. He pretty much endured kindergarten because he got to ride the school bus. That is all he had ever wanted. He has always been a good student, though, and a blessing to all his teachers.

Look how handsome he is. This was taken at the beach a couple of years ago when he was 8.

Here he is last year after shooting his first deer.

And here he is now. Tall and handsome.

Bryce had grown into quite a young man. God has blessed him with many talents. He loves to build things and experiment with all kinds of things. He loves science, space, and learning. He is sensitive and considerate. He thinks that playing football, knowing you're going to get hit, is crazy. He is a very good brother. He is never demanding, and is very flexible with our family's crazy schedule. He likes to swim, play baseball, and hunt. He is loved more than he could know.

Bryce,
I thank God every day that He picked me to be your mom. You are such a blessing to our family. Thanks for being you, and for your sweet, kind spirit. I am so proud of you and the young man you are becoming. I pray that you will have such a good time in Jr. High this year. I can't believe you are that old! I love you very much.
Happy Birthday Baby.
Love,
Mom