birthday boy

Seven years ago, I woke my OB complaining of severe abdominal pain. I thought for sure that the Totinos pizza rolls I ate the night before were giving me heartburn, but the pain was a little too intense and kept me up all night long. At the hospital, they told me I looked good, but they'd draw some blood before sending me home. Forty-five minutes later, I was in an ambulance with Ross & my in-laws following behind, headed to a city hospital in Pittsburgh to deliver a tiny baby boy...Andrew Marshall VanderLaan. He was just 33 weeks and weighed 3 lbs, 8 oz., born early due to HELLP syndrome. I kissed his tiny cheek before they whisked him to the NICU where he stayed for almost 3 weeks until he could gain weight and stay warm without the isolette. They were the longest 3 weeks of my life....

(Andrew the day before discharge)

Time has flown! Seven years later, I have a smart, loving, sweet first grader! His favorite subject is reading. On any given day, we'll find him buried in a chapter book or making his own books, and later he'll spout "facts" that he's learned that day. He loves Tiger scouts, fishing & camping, playing with his brother, and going to craft & cooking classes with his friends. Today, he told Ross he is learning multiplication from his Leapster. :) He's growing more and more like daddy every day (quiet and serious) with a little bit of loud, silly mom thrown in on a good day. Happy birthday, Andrew! It's so fun to watch you grow! :)

(Andrew opening his ipod shuffle and speakers for his birthday!)