Chad

11 years ago, I was MIS-ER-A-BLE!!! I was 10 days overdue and huge, with the kid who first made me a mother. We didn't know if he was going to be a he or a she at the time, but we did know that we were going to be parents soon and that if this was a boy (which I thought he was) then he would be named Chad after my older brother who had passed away at 6 months of age from spinal meningitis. He had caught it in the birth canal.

Chad is very proud of  being my brother's name sake.

This is Chad Joseph. He was 6 months when he passed away.

I knew that I was in for it when in the first grade my lovely boy came up to me and said, "Mom, I like it when you call me baby, but not in front of my friends". Then right as he was about to run off he turned right around and added "Oh and no kisses in font of 'em either."

Yes, this guy is well aware of his surroundings, but is definitely a mama's boy!

Recently Chad has completed his requirements for his Arrow of Light award and competed in his last pinewood derby race.

One thing that Chad and I enjoy doing is introducing each other to different books. I got him started on the Fablehaven series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games series. Now we are excitedly and impatiently awaiting the 3rd book in The Hunger Game series!

We also love to watch movies together and while I was on the computer I found the new Iron Man trailer. He and I squealed with excitement and commented on how we HAD to see that movie, when Tyson turned around and said, "Sometimes you two are exactly alike"! Of course we laughed and continued with our excitement. It is true that we are a lot alike, but this boy also adores his father and has some great and admirable qualities from him. They are two peas in a pod when it comes to outdoorsy stuff. Camping, rock climbing, backpacking, BB shooting...and the list could go on. Oh how we love this boy who will forever be my baby...just can't say it around the friends! :)

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAD-MAN!