MILES CONRAD

My baby is 2 - everyone knows how over the top sentimental I can get about my kids. And, those of you who know me well, know I want to strangle them at times, but not really. I HATE that my baby is big and independent and TWO (that's a curse word for me right now). And, I'm not going to list/say/express 2 wonderful things about him, because that would be - well, just far too inadequate.
Miles is truly my miracle baby, and yes, I can barely write this without tears - wait, yes, there they are - in moments they be flowin!
In early October of my pregnancy with him, like the first few days, I had contractions about 2 minutes apart. This was not the first time, but the 3rd time with him that they were so close, and very real, very painful contractions. I called someone to come watch my kids while Tom was going to rush me off to the hospital. At this time, the poor teen age girl who would watch my kids was standing in my driveway with me while I waited hunched over in pain wondering what the freaking heck Tom was doing. I remember telling her in these words, "If he doesn't get his ass out here now I'm gonna have this child in the driveway!" There were most likely other bad words, and I dare say the fact Tom was taking sooo long they were warranted. Mind you I was not due until January 12. Did I say it was October? Poor girl, she probably won't be having kids ever! Anyway After he took his very own sweet time we went to the hospital and from that point on I was on strict bed rest as opposed to my previous interpretation of bed rest.
So - even after that we had a few scares, mostly because I wasn't the best bed rest patient - that is HARD! My family, especially both my sweet mothers were amazing, they would each come and get one child every day, they would take laundry, clean and try their best to lift my spirits.
Miles was born on Dec. 8th 2006, after I had been in the hospital for a while very ill. When I say ill, I mean I really and truly thought I was going to at best (meaning Miles would survive and I wouldn't make it ) have this baby and die in child birth leaving Tom with these kids to raise. My labor was horrible and long, mostly because my placenta was toxic poisoning both of us. He was born, and he was 5 lbs. I remember everyone sort of being elated he was so 'healthy' yet that internal motherly instinct of mine told me he was not ok. My sweet baby boy endured more in the coming months than I can imagine. Seven spinal taps, 52 days in the hospital on and off - mostly at primary children's hospital in SLC. And, he triumphed. He was amazing. He still is. I must say as he is so clearly two and I do mean two in the way all of you know mean - the boy is TWO! Flooding my kitchen, pulling hair, screaming, getting kicked out of nursery, the kid is two! That being said, every single time he does something that makes me want to pull my own hair out I try to step back and thank my Father in Heaven for this beautiful, healthy baby that is mine, that is thriving and growing and did I say HEALTHY!!
Some of my favorite things he does lately is how much he loves to be tickled and that giggle that doesn't stop. I love the way he says 'Goggy' for doggy. I love how he flaps both hands when he gets excited. I love his very short attention span during prayers, he folds his arms for about 1.5 seconds then he is done. I love that he will give me kisses when I ask, and hug me and even cuddle. I love how does a few signs in his way, especially more - thinking he will get what he wants if he just signs more to anyone! My kids are so patient with him when he is overly aggressive with them. He is perfect, he is loving and he is so loved.
Happy Birthday baby boy - now stop growing and stay just how you are even if you do flood the kitchen from time to time. I love you so much.