Happy Birthday From Daddy

Dear Wook!

I am writing this to you to recap the first year of your life and the best year of mine.
Your Mom has done a much better job of writing monthly memoirs to remind us all of what has happened with you as you have grown. Though I haven't written these things formally, it is really easy for me to recall many of the highlights you have brought to our family.
I guess it all starts going back to weedeating one day following the fourth of July in 2007. Mom came running out to me and had some tests in her hand to show me she was pregnant with you. She had a huge smile on her face and I was just wondering what she wanted....in the past I had been weedeating and she came to me to let me know such things as Roscoe had gotten out of the house and was loose in the neighborhood. Needless to say the remainder of my day of yardwork (a normally less than favorite activity) was never better! I was so excited. I couldn't believe I was going to be a Daddy.
From then on Mom and I talked daily of what things would be like. We talked a lot about names and tried to find the perfect one, I liked Gus a lot but no good according to Mom. Keep in mind we didn't even know you were a boy....I was just secretly hoping!
That kinda takes me to the next stage, the day we went to find out if you were a boy or girl. I was very nervous this day. We got to the Dr's office and we had the WHOLE family there for the big day. We went in and I remember that things were happening very fast....pretty soon the gal said he is a Boy! She was very nonchalant....which bugged me of course. I said are you sure? She said yes and I sprung out of my chair...Kim later said it was similar to seeing my team score a Touchdown. I ran out and told everyone. Again, this was a big day!!!
So then it became time to narrow down names. We talked and talked about what would work best. I am very picky as you will learn and I refused to settle until we found just the right one. These conversations along with all of the great tips people were giving Mom for what to do and what to watch out for dominated our lives from then on.
One day I asked Mom what she thought of Luke. I wanted something solid and strong. I also liked that it was close to my name in the Bible, and one of my favorite movie characters of all time was Cool Hand Luke. I liked Cool Hand because he never quit and had great spirit. You will have to check it out someday. Mom looked at me and I could tell she liked it. In my mind from that day on it was decided that you would be Luke....my boy!
I guess fast forwarding a little bit, and remember I was very very nervous about preparing for you, was to go to the night you were born. I tell you how nervous I was because I remember so many times just worrying about you being healthy and Mom being OK. Mom and I decided to not do any of the tests in advance that determine if you were going to be healthy because we agreed that no matter what we would take care of you. That was always a great moment in our marriage I thought because we agreed that we would love you and take care of you regardless of any situation. We were totally together on that.
Sorry back to your birthday. The night before I went to sleep like 15 minutes before I got a tap on my forehead from Mom saying it was time to go!
I had everything ready and car packed in record time. My mind was racing and I was really scared. We got to the hospital and I told the nurse we were ready to check in....they got a big kick out of that! Then it went to just a blur. Waiting and worrying, calling everyone etc. It was just a complete blur. I paced and worried and worried and worried. Will Luke be OK? Will Mom? These were my thoughts. Mom was pretty mellow I thought, you will find out about her that while she is wound pretty tight, when the money is on the line she handles things really well. The nurses were nice I remember them a lot....matter of fact, I remember thinking how much more they do than the Doctor. They should be paid much better. Next thing I know it is time for you. Mom did such a good job...I had to count to help her with breathing and I couldn't do anything right. Next thing I know I see this bright red, screaming boy.....LUKE was here!
The previous paragraph rambles a lot and all I can say is that was what the experience was like...just unreal and hard to describe. It was kind of like an out of body experience for me really. I think it was easily the greatest day of my life and changed me forever.
I think it was the Doc that said it best....she said that until you get home with your baby it will not hit you. She was right, we got home and Mom and I were just kinda lost....not really knowing what the heck to do. It was scary for sure. The family was great though. I remember Aunt Angie coming over and staying with us and cooking us breakfast the next day. It was a great breakfast.
From this point on it was kind of a series of milestones. I remember watching you eat and gain weight. I knew you were going to be a great eater like your Dad.....and you sure were and are! Your Mom is a pretty good eater too, but don't tell anyone.
Let's see, then it was teeth coming in, crawling, talking, making faces, laughing, eating, sleeping through the night, more eating, standing up....all kinds of stuff the first year.
I would say that I have gathered many things about you. You are very personable and easy to get along with. This is one of your greatest qualities. You sleep and eat very well. You rarely get upset, but when you do you really really get upset. You are just a wonderful baby boy. You bring so much to my life and our family that words cannot describe.
Here is one request I have for you someday....spend some time and just thank your Mom for everything. She has been tremedous throughout everything. Her life totally revolves around making sure you are well taken care of. She makes sure that your best interest is first and that whatever you need you get. She loves you totally and has sacrificed many things for you and for the family.
Thanks to Mom for everything! We love you Mom!
Luke, we are going to be great buddies. I cannot wait to spend more and more time with you. This has been just a wonderful year and we are so lucky to have you. We love you very much and will take care of you always.
Happy first Birthday,

Love,

Your Dad.