Happy 22nd birthday Brad!

I am going to try my hardest to get my birthday blogs done on time so that no child has to go through the torment that Kristy did as she waited patiently for her own birthday blog! Just kidding, Kristy is a good sport and she has almost forgiven me.

Brad - my firstborn son! We were very very excited to have a boy. We did not know he was going to be a boy. I think finding out what sex you are having is like opening up your Christmas presents early. Who would want to spoil the surprise? We were surprised and delighted. Kacey weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz. and Kristy weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and so I told the doctor I was expecting a 6 pounder in keeping with my trend. He said, "I don't think so!" Brad was 9 lbs. 2 oz! He didn't look like a big baby though because he has been tall and skinny from the very beginning.

Here is newborn Brad with Kacey and Kristy:



Brad was easygoing from the very beginning. I really don't remember him causing any trouble. Maybe that's because all of the trouble that Bryan caused me has overwritten any of Brad's mischievious deeds. Here he is getting his second haircut. I clearly remember that I forgot the camera for his first haircut. I was very sad but remembered it the second time!



This picture of Kacey reading to Brad is one of my favorites. It just warms my heart on so many levels!



Here is Brad with David at his medical school graduation. It's hard to believe that my little baby boy will soon be applying to dental school.



Here is a picture with me and Brad. I'm not exactly sure how old he was but judging by the fact that I had lost my baby weight, it must be time to get pregnant again and put it back on! We had a still born baby after Brad. They would have been just a year apart. We named him Braxton Thurn. I wonder if he would have been just like Brad? That would have been nice.



Of all the costumes that I made over the years, this is my favorite. I don't know why. It is just so cute. And of all the kids that have worn it, Brad wore it best!



Brad has a little known talent. He is able to spot the camera on any roller coaster and pose for it. In this picture, it was the second time around so Brad had told the girls when to pose. It's a unique talent that won't get him far but a talent nonetheless! Also I have to say that Kacey should win an award for Prettiest Picture on a thrill ride!!



I really missed Brad when he was gone on his mission to Slovakia. I was so proud of him, though. He had a tough mission but he always worked hard and stayed optimistic. It was so fun to spend time with him in Prague when we picked him up. I will always treasure the uninterrupted time his father and I had with him to listen to his stories and to tell us about the country and the people. This picture was taken in the mission office as we picked him up.



I love hanging out with Brad. He is so much smarter and funnier than people know. He is much more reserved than his father. (I'm not saying whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, just pointing it out!) I keep bugging Brad to date because I think more girls should get to enjoy his company. He is nice and fun and handsome and smart and valiant and humble. I can't wait to meet his future wife. She is one lucky girl! Wait - what if I don't like her? What if she doesn't worship Brad like I do? This could get ugly...

I better go back to thinking happy thoughts. I love you Brad! I am proud to be your mother and will try my best not to be the monster-in-law... but no guarantees!!!