SIXTEEN!!!!!!

I'm so excited today to celebrate the birth of Logan Kirk Banister!!!

It's a different kind of milestone when your first born hits it.  My heart is more tender, the memories vivid and it just seems like he's growing up too fast!  I'm sure by the time Dallin turns 16 I won't be as emotional...but with the oldest, it's harder!!

Logan was born on a nice spring day at St. Lukes hospital here in Boise.  We anticipated "her" birth and many many family members were so excited for the baby to arrive.  Logan was the first grandchild on both sides of the family which meant some very eager grandparents, aunts and uncles couldn't wait to hold him!!  I'm sure you've all heard the story before, but we were told Logan was a girl during our ultrasound.  I went a little bit crazy.  Just a little bit!!

Kirk's mom made us the most beautiful crib bedding for the newly painted nursery.  (Glad I went with a shade of green!)  

I also had FOUR baby showers during this time.  I had a lot of beautiful PINK GIRLY clothes I couldn't wait to dress the baby in.  We were pretty much on top of the world waiting for the baby.  We read our weekly pregnancy guide faithfully, Kirk came to every doctor appointment, we took birthing classes and breastfeeding classes and I have to say I felt pretty good during it all.

I visited the doctor on the morning of the 6th.  She said I was starting to dilate and to take a little walk and see if it progressed.  Well, we went to Julia Davis and WALKED.  We wanted the baby now!  I was having contractions (at least what I thought were contractions!) And we decided to go to the hospital.  I regret how much I pushed myself it at this time.  Of course I now know after 5 children that I have never really gone into labor, but at the time I just wanted the baby!  At the hospital I was dilated to a 3.  So what did we do?  We spent over an hour WALKING!!  I went up and down stairs, down hallways and just kept going.....We were checked again and I was barely a 4, but my doctor admitted me (it was early afternoon by now).  I think in my head I thought I was having a baby soon!  I got a room, got all set up and then we waited.  We waited and waited and waited.  They broke my water, we waited some more.  They put me on pitocin, gave me an epidural and then we waited some more.  It was awful.  It was a long night and looking back I am 100% sure my body wasn't ready to have the baby.  FINALLY I was ready to push, but I was exhausted.  I had walked so much and barely slept.  This was the worst part.  I had no energy and I couldn't do it.  Eventually he was born though and at 6:41 am we welcomed our 7 lb 4 oz baby BOY into our arms.  I kept yelling "It's a boy!  It's a boy!"  The doctors thought I was delirious by now, which I might have been, but I was just so shocked my girl was a boy!

We've been so blessed ever since!  Logan has grown into a fine young man.  He is an honor student, amazing wrestler, close to an Eagle scout, close to driver's license, hunter, funny and just an all around good kid.  He is a natural born leader and even though it's hard at times, he takes on that role. I love him with all my heart and hope he has a special day today and a wonderful 16th year!!!!