A Year Ago Today...

I didn't know James. In fact, I didn't even know if my little guy was going to be a boy or a girl. 365 days ago right now Tom and I were on our way to the hospital with Little Stewie in my tummy and a bag packed with a boy's outfit and a girl's outfit. Crazy right? On the eve of Jamesie's birthday I'm feeling a little nostalgic, so take a trip down memory lane with me as I relive those days leading up to Jamesie Day.

It really all started on Saturday, April 25. The entire day stretched ahead of us, and somehow Tom convinced me to go to Nebraska Furniture Mart to look at big screens. I must have already been in a weakened state because after years of negotiating, Tom ended up with the tv he's always wanted. We called Rod Fitch and set up an appointment to have it installed later in the week-little did we know, the day he was coming we would be in the hospital with a newborn. That night Tom and I watched Slumdog Millionaire, and I stayed awake (this is a huge accomplishment for me). What kept me up? I was having contractions! As soon as they started, I knew we would be meeting our little guy very soon.

The next day (Sunday, April 26), Tom's parents came to visit. I spent all afternoon writing lesson plans. I had to have two weeks of plans for my sub, and I knew the time to procrastinate was through. That night I only slept for a few hours because I was having contractions and I was just so excited/nervous/impatient for Stewie to just get here already!

I spent all day at work Monday running around like a crazy person tying up loose ends. I forgot a container from my lunch in the fridge, and instead of leaving it like I ordinarily would, I went all the way back for it because I just knew I wouldn't be back at school for a very long time. I went to a doctor's appointment Monday afternoon and the doctor told me he would be seeing me again very soon. That night Tom and I had Buffalo Wild Wings with my mom, even though neither of them thought I was very smart for eating wings when I was about to have a baby. I stand by my decision-they were delicious!

I was up most of the night Monday, and Tom convinced me to stay home from work Tuesday. I knew that I would have to write another day of sub plans for every day I went to work, so I agreed that I should just stay home. Around 3:00 Tom and my mom made me call the doctor to tell him about my contractions. The doctor said we should go to the hospital, and even though I really didn't want to, I went. We stopped at Babies 'R' Us on the way to get a mattress for the cradle. Note to self: If you can stop and shop on the way to the hospital, you really don't need to be going to the hospital. They sent us right back home.

I was so mad and disappointed that I would have to go back to work the next day and I basically decided this baby was never going to come...until I went home and took a nap. I woke up from the nap and realized that this was it! Tom and I ordered Happy Joe's pizza (I didn't eat any...biggest regret ever) and watched American Idol. After American Idol my mom came and got Foxy, and we left for the hospital (again). This ride to the hospital was much different. There were no pit stops and Tom drove FAST.

We got to the hospital around 9:00 and I thought April 28 would be a great birthday. Boy, was I wrong! April 28 probably is a great birthday, but not for our little guy. In typical Jamesie fashion, he wanted to do things his way and on April 29 at 1:21 our Little Mister entered the world. He came in with a bang and hasn't really stopped since. I can't believe a year ago I didn't even know him, and now I can't remember life without him. Happy Birthday Buddy!

Easter Weekend

We loaded up and headed over to Muscatine for Easter. The weather was beautiful, the company was good, and it was just a very nice weekend.

Cousins

Gillian is so funny!

Taking a break from the Easter Egg Hunt

Got my 2 eggs, that's all I need!

Duh Mom! Why would I want to put my eggs in that basket when it's so fun to bang them together?

Look at that tired boy. Did I mention Easter means "no naps" if your name is James?

These pictures may be the only time you'll see Jamesie outside without a stick in his hands.

The Easter Bunny brought bubbles-Let's try these babies out!

What are these things?

You may think he's looking at the spider, but he's actually thinking, "How can I get those glasses?"

"She's my best friend!"

Check out these cool shoes! Who needs an Easter basket?

So big!

I need a truck for all my stuff.

Outside boy.

This is right before head bump #1. It was a rough weekend for Jamesie. He came home with a forehead full of bruises.

The Best of Friends

**Listen carefully to the way James talks to Foxy near the end of this video. He has a dog voice now...he makes his voice super high-pitched when he's talking to the dogs. I've taught him well :).

Report Cards

Here are some recent comments from Jamesie's daycare sheets:

• Pushed tractors down the slide
• James is always trying to engage the older kids-he also has been pulling hair :).
• Spring fever! Lots of crying at the door.
• Loved being outside-cried when we came in.
• James brought lots of book to me
• James had a great day, I was a basket case
  

These comments pretty much sum up my Little Guy at 11 months. He is all boy, he loves playing with other kids, he likes trucks, tractors, balls, and sticks, and he goes nonstop. Jamesie also loves books and the only time he sits still these days is when he is being read to. You may be wondering about that last comment. Little Mister is giving poor Julie (his babysitter) gray hair. Everyday when I pick him up he has a new bump or bruise and she is a nervous wreck after chasing him around all day. We are very lucky to have her!

Spring Fever

Spring has sprung, and in the Ruden household that means 3 things:

1. We have been without cable and internet for a week because they cut our cable line while digging holes for our deck.
2. They cut our cable line while digging holes for our deck! That's right, our deck is finally being built. The posts are in, the frame is done, and the boards are across the top! Tom and I just got finished walking on it, and it was love at first step.
3. Little Mister has fallen in love with the great outdoors. He wasn't big enough to appreciate being outside in the Fall, but now he is an outside boy. Since we've been having this nice weather we have spent every minute outside and still Jamesie cries when we come in at bedtime. What's James's favorite part of being outside? He really likes eating rocks, but the very best thing? The sticks, duh!