Friday, March 27, 2009

Happy Birthday, Brennan!!!

Today is Brennan's 1st Birthday!!! I honestly can't believe he's a year old already. This has been the fastest year of my life. And while the year has been a quick one, I feel like I have learned more than is possible in just one year. To think that one year ago, I knew absolutely nothing (really absolutely nothing!) about Down syndrome and now I know so much about all aspects of it....as if Down syndrome has always been a part of my life. I have spent countless hours reading books, articles and blogs, have attended conferences, workshops, classes and have been honored to meet many families who are travelling the same path. But, alas, today is supposed to be about Brennan and not about me.

From the day Brennan was born, he has looked directly into my eyes, like he could see straight into my soul. He reassured me that I was the right Mom for him, even when I wasn't sure that I was. I will never forget the first time he smiled at me and the tears I cried as I felt like he was telling me that everything really would be okay. He has such a calming effect on me and on others. My friend, Brooke, once said "if you're ever having a stressful day, all you need to do is hold Brennan and you will immediately feel a sense of calm." Even Eric, who is admittedly not a "baby person" loves getting one on one time with our little man.

Brennan smiles like he means it. He gets the biggest smile when he sees me - as if I'm a long lost friend he is so happily surprised to see. He is adored by his siblings and loves them in return. He can be somewhat shy and reserved around people outside of our family, but at home he just glows. He's the perfect addition to our family and I love him more than I ever thought possible. Happy Birthday to our sweet little ray of sunshine!

12 comments:

Wendy P said...

Happy Birthday, Brennan!!! What a beautiful boy!

The Sanchez Family said...

Happy Birthday Brennan!!!! You are so loved!

Cathy said...

He's gorgeous! Happy birthday Brennan!!!

Laurie said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!! Enjoy your special day : )

Derek, Kenzee and Gage said...

Happy 1st Birthday Brennan! That smile is just to die for.

Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All Around said...

happy birthday brennan! what a smile:) great picture!!! hope you all have a fun 1st birthday with Brennan!!!

Kelli said...

Happy Birthday, Brennan! Love that smile.

My name is Sarah said...

Happy 1st Birthday Brennan.

Grandma Susan said...

It was indeed a wonderful day, singing to Brennan and celebrating his birth. He is such a blessing and is a ray of sunshine in our lives.

CJ Field said...

What an amazing smile! LOVE the picture! Happiest of Birthdays!

Monica Crumley said...

Thanks for checking out our blog! Your little guy is just adorable! Happy Belated Bday to him. I can relate to many of your reflections of the first year! I'll be back to read more...

The Bryant Family said...

Happy Birthday.!! He is so sweet. I am new to your site, I think you found us through ihearttucker.
I had to smile to myself about your post...that he has always looked you straight in the eyes, like seeing your soul. Tuck has been like that from day one as well. I will never forget the morning of his first surgery (tears welling alreay) he gaze at us, never letting his eyes stray ...as if to say "it will be OK, " At taht time we didnt know if he was looking at us for the last time and trying to soak it all in or if he was reassuring us....it was so hard. Harder though is going to be the next one. We have had him in our lives for almost 4 years, to let him go to surgery with everything in the air....is so scary..
I am sorry, kinda got off subject there.
Thank you for your kindness and offer of your home. We have accommodations at the Devon house for 2.5 weeks but after that we might, if our stay is extended, need a place. Would it be OK if I keep your email address so that I can contact you when we get there? I would love to company while we are there, if you are up to visiting. I am sure we will be stir crazy.