…Yes, almost five years ago, my son was born, and once again my life was changed forever. Tomorrow is my little Kerry’s birthday. He was born at 10:31 p.m. on September 25th, 2003 (only 25 hours after my water broke!). He had a very rough beginning…
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When Kerry was born, he was unresponsive, limp, and gray. While witnessing the frightened look on the doctor’s face, my husband held back the tears. Baby Kerry was promptly whisked out of the room, as the doctor went out to call the pediatrician. The next time I saw little Kerry, he was attached to all kinds of tubes. His face was covered with some sort of breathing apparatus, and he was hooked up to a couple different IVs and monitors.
The next thing I knew, my son was being transported to another hospital. I was told not to worry, yet how was that entirely possible? However, I thank the Lord for the special peace He gave me, as my husband and I prayed with my father-in-law. Even though things looked pretty bleak, I knew that Kerry would be alright (God assured me in my heart).
Although God had given me peace, things were still incredibly difficult. I cried when I couldn’t be with little Kerry. I cried when I couldn’t hold him. Scott and I both felt so helpless and confused at the fact that our baby couldn’t eat on his own at first. I remember thinking that it didn’t make sense to me, because all babies are born knowing how to eat. However, little Kerry was so weak and exhausted that all he wanted to do was sleep. In fact, every night at the hospital, Scott and I took turns force-feeding our little baby. Around the clock, Scott and I would feed Baby Kerry tiny amounts of formula. It was painful to have to make him stay awake to eat, but obviously, we had no choice.
However, it wasn’t long before Kerry showed his fighting spirit! Within the first week, Kerry improved so much that we were able to take him home. Then, after another week or two, Kerry was off of the special light for jaundice. Today, one would never know what a rocky beginning little Kerry had. I am so thankful to God!
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I just never imagined such difficulties with little Kerry’s birth. Of course, as it turns out, Kerry has been unpredictable to me ever since! When he was really little, I never knew what wild, adventurous thing he might try next. Little Kerry showed me right away that he had a mind of his own, and he still keeps me on my toes! He’s independent, head-strong, clever, determined, creative, and just a wee-bit mischievous. (O.k., not just a wee-bit…more like EXTREMELY mischievous!)
Kerry’s also a sweet boy, who loves to give me flowers. He loves his family very much, and he doesn’t like to be separated from any of us. Kerry often expresses how much he enjoys having us all together. When he was really little, he would cry for his daddy when Scott was at work. Even now, Kerry still tells me how much he misses Daddy during the day.
He also loves to snuggle with me before bed-time. In fact, he looks forward to our special time every night. Around 8:00 p.m., he usually announces, “Mommy, it’s our snuggling time!” I’ll sit down in the old, worn recliner, and he jumps up and wiggles his little backside right into place. He pulls a blanket up over us, lays his head on my shoulder, and holds my hand.
Kerry also not only looks up to and admires his sister Sarah, but he just adores her. He misses her so much whenever she goes anywhere without him. There’s no one he’d rather play with, and no one’s opinion means more!
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As I mentioned earlier, Kerry is mischievous and unpredictable. He’s also very sneaky and curious; all of which can be a scary combination! 
Quite often, even when he’s not doing something dangerous, he’s still challenging the rules. I learned early on to quickly check on Kerry when he suddenly disappeared. (He’s always been very good at sneaking off.) So many times, I’ve felt my heart leap up into my throat out of fear for my little boy! He’s also very good at hiding, and he has a special knack for finding small, inconspicuous places.
Kerry also just seems to enjoy finding unique places to sit and relax, which can sometimes actually be amusing. The places he chooses are interesting to me and have often surprised me. Below are a few pics to show you what I mean:
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Kerry in the sink…
…In the laundry basket…
…In the dog kennel:
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*(Other places not pictured include: inside the dryer, kitchen cabinets, and the clothes hamper.)
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Kerry is also VERY observant. He definitely watches EVERYTHING we do or say. Nothing seems to escape his notice; he is even very discerning of true attitudes, motivations, etc. Therefore, Scott and I better be particularly careful about our actions!
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So, whenever I hear the song “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins, I just can’t help but think of my little Kerry. I also think of Kerry and his daddy, because he is such a “Daddy’s boy.” (Scott’s not perfect, though he loves to claim otherwise! However, thankfully, he doesn’t have a habit of saying four-letter words! Oh, and also, by the way, Kerry LOVES chicken nugget Happy Meals! Just check out these lyrics:)
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Watching You
Artist: Rodney Atkins
Drivin’ through town just my boy and me
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowin’ that he couldn’t have the toy ‘til his nuggets were gone.
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath.
His fries went a flyin’, and his orange drink covered his lap
Well, then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with “S” and I was concerned
So I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?”
Chorus:
He said, “I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do.
So I’ve been watching you.”
We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said, “Lord, please help me help my stupid self.”
Just this side of bedtime later that night
Turnin’ on my son’s Scooby-Doo night-light.
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees.
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
Spoke to God like he was talkin’ to a friend.
And I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?”
Chorus:
He said, “I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We like fixin’ things and holding Momma’s hand
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do; so I’ve been watching you”
With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug.
Said, “My little bear is growin’ up.”
And he said, “But when I’m big I’ll still know what to do.”
“‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
By then I’ll be strong as superman
We’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do.
‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you.”
hey yeah
uh huh
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**Note: You may listen to the above song here.
**P.S.: Like I stated earlier, Scott and I both have to be careful of our actions! I don’t know if Scott’s prayed that exact prayer, “Lord please help me help my stupid self,” but I sure have!
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To my little Kerry, I just want to say:
I love you very, very much!! Happy Birthday, Kerry!!
Filed under: Birthdays, Faith, Family, Kid's stories, Kids, Life, Lyrics, Music, photos, pics | Tagged: birthday, Kid's stories, Kids, Lyrics, Memories, photos, pics | 8 Comments »
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