Happy 1st Birthday Camden!
WOW!!! What a year with the little guy! While I sit hear writing this post I remember so vividly coming home from my run and Jolie on the couch with contractions. “Well guess this is one of those early contraction incidents I’ve heard about…” How naive of me. I also learned a comment such as “WHOA!” from the on call Doctor, is really a sign things are not as they should be. I remember Jolie and I wondering if a baby could survive being delivered at 27 1/2 weeks. Ready or not, he was coming that evening at 12:36 AM. The little Cam-man decided it was time to start playing by his own rules. The next 50 days Camden lived at Littleton Adventist Hospital. I honestly cannot put into words what those nurses do there day in and day out. The nurses were the absolute definition of going above and beyond in their jobs and truly care about the babies and families going through a scary and unique experience. They really made the hospital feel like a home for Camden, Jolie & I.
Since those 50 days in the NICU, our little C-Man has started on his life’s journey of being a boy. He is quite the happy and healthy little boy. We could not ask for more.
He keeps our hands full, but we have the feeling this will be nothing compared to the days ahead. We look forward to every new day with him and are amazed at what he learns each day.
Since that late night last October, our little guy has played by his own agenda. As a first time father, I couldn’t be prouder to have such a trait in our little guy! We can only hope he paves his own unique way through life.
Love,
Ryan, Jolie & Camden!
PS: We cannot express our love and thanks enough to our family and friends who were right there beside us physically and spiritually along the journey. Thank you!!!!
Uncle Robb on 10 Oct 2008 at 12:02 pm #
Happy birthday Camden! I hope you get that Ferrari you’ve been e-mailing me about. Just make sure you have a designated driver after eating all of that icing and cake. Have Fun!
I love you all,
Robb
Danielle, Brian, Samantha, and Melanie Baltz on 10 Oct 2008 at 1:02 pm #
What a beautifully eloquent letter you wrote Ryan. We are so happy for your family. We miss you guys. Happy Birthday Camden!!!
Stefan du Toit on 10 Oct 2008 at 7:15 pm #
WOW! How fast this year has flow by. Happy birthday Camden, and congrats Ryan and Jolie for making it through the 1st year.
When is he getting his 1st snow and/or kite board?
The Shooks on 14 Oct 2008 at 8:42 pm #
Happy 1st Birthday Camden! The pictures are great and we are so happy to hear that you are all happy and healthy. We hope to see you during one of your holiday visits to Fargo! Wishing you continued blessings.
The Shooks
Laura Bennett on 15 Oct 2008 at 1:24 pm #
Ryan,
waht a little cutie he is! How much he has changed the world and your lives! I could not believe the picture of him with the wedding ring near his wrist! Thanks for sharing a slice of your family life, made me smile!
Carol Pinke on 15 Oct 2008 at 9:20 pm #
Ryan and Jolie,
How blessed Camden has been this year with wonderful, loving parents as you. He has made such outstanding strides and is such a beautiful child with a personality that makes everyone stop and smile. Your letter and video is precious. We thank you for letting us be apart of his birthday celebration. It was a priceless experience especially the blue frosted little one year old enjoying his first cupcake.
Love,
Grandma Carol and Grandpa