The Graduating Class of 2005

At the risk of sounding old.... I cannot believe how fast children grow up. It seems like yesterday when I got out of classes early to drive to Jeff City to be at the hospital when Tommy was born. It was one of the coolest days ever.

Kathy (my step-mom) had been in also all day and was feeling very exhausted when I arrived around 4 in the afternoon. In fact everyone there was tired. After several hours of no progression, my dad and I decided that is was safe to go and have dinner close to the hospital. About the time our food came, so did a phone call. It was the hospital calling to tell Dad that Kathy was on her way to the OR to have C-section, they had lost fetal heart tones. I remember being so scared and sad. My dad rushed back and the rest of us followed a few minutes behind. Tommy was born in just a few minutes.

After Tommy was born, Jennifer (step-sister) and I were they only who got to be in the room with him. They only allowed siblings in there! It was great! The two of us got to spend a few hours, just us, as they finished with my step mom in the OR, dad stayed with her because she wasn't doing so well and dad trusted that Tommy was in good hands. We never got to hold him, but just being there and watching the nurses clean him and give him care was an experience I will never forget. I loved those 2 hours!

A few days after Tommy and Kathy came home from the hospital, Grandama and I went and stayed for about a week. We helped with house cleaning and laundry, but the best was getting to help with a new baby! He was so sick because he didn't know how to swallow and suck correctly, but Kathy was amazingly patient and let us help as we could. It seems like last week when I think about it, yet it also feels like a lifetime ago. Many things have happened since then....He learned how to eat well! He learned how to smile and say "sissy." He learned how to run and how to play ninetendo with Matt. And Tommy has even learned how to rock climb.

Tommy, graduated from preschool last week. He learned how to read and write this year! His oldest sister is STILL waiting for her first letter in the mail. He loves school and is looking forward to an exciting career as a kindergardener!


I this picture, he looks JUST like Matt, our brother!





Note the ring! Its an official class of 2005 ring!

Tommy, Dad, and Kathy recently visited Elephant Rock State Park and this is one the picture of him climbing rocks!