The Birthday Truck came to our house

And why a truck? Simply because our birthday boy LOVES trucks...and cars...and tractors...and boats!

When Walker was born, he insisted doing things on his own time schedule.I was trying desperately hard to avoid having another c-section; my doctor was willing to work with me as long as my body had progressed far enough that they could break my water. No problem, I thought. Well, I thought wrong! The day before the scheduled c-section, I went in for our last chance...and miraculously, we were able to cancel the c-section and schedule an "induction" instead! Once he came out, he wasn't crying and the nurses swooped him away to the other side of the room and worked on him. I remember watching the head nurse and telling myself that as long as she was smiling I wouldn't worry (she had the sweetest perma-smile on her face). Finally, he let out a cry. Then, during his hearing test at the hospital he failed his first, his second, and third test. They had to pull out the fancy equipment for the final chance, and this test he finally passed! (pictures is Walker during that last hearing test)

Walker was such a good sweet baby in all areas, except for sleep. He, once again, wanted to do things on his time schedule. Many a night I was up ALL night with him...It was impossible to get frustrated with him. He wasn't fussy as long as I held him close, and so we spent most nights curled up on the couch together; me, sound asleep, and Walker sound asleep as long as I was near. He was so patient with Remington and Indi who constantly smothered him with hugs and kisses and songs created especially on his behalf.


He continues to find and give friendship to his older and still doting siblings. He loves to play along, wether his part is a handsome prince kissing the beautiful princess's hand, or a pirate's best ship mate! He is such a fun, funny boy who brings a smile wherever he goes.

He is compassionate to the injured or sad. He pulled grandma Stum through the entire Beene Museum this winter after she had hurt her foot. He can't stand to hear a baby cry...though, his attempts to help are still a little frightening at times. Pulling grandma around by her wheelchair works; pulling a baby's arm in the direction of the infant's mother doesn't work.

Walker is so handsome. His beautiful blue eyes, curly blond hair, and enchanting white smile are irresistible! Just thinking about him makes me want to swoop him up in my arms and give him a squeeze! He doesn't seem to be overly aware of his looks, but he is certainly aware of mine! He often tells me after my runs, "Mom, you sweaty. Need take shower and get boodiful."

Walker is all boy. If it has to do with large motorized vehicles, mud and sticks, balls and tackling, then, he will LOVE it!

Walker LOVES his daddy and he LOVES to go camping with his dad! He got to go on the father/son's this year, and he hasn't stopped talking about it. If he had his way, He would go camping with his dad every single weekend!

Walker's favorite activity to do with his dad (second only to camping) is riding in the ranger. He actually likes to ride in any vehicle. He used to get mad and throw a fit if we would run a short errand because he wasn't ready to get out of the car yet. I remember thinking that he would be cured of his love for riding in the car after we did our ID trip. Nope! 40 car riding hours later he was still as happy and content to be sitting in his carseat as ever! He also loves to drive his little jeep all over the yard. He finds every pothole, rock and obstacle to climb over and he looks just like his dad as he checks the position of his front wheels and the position of his back wheels! Ryan is loving it...I am a little worried. We might be in for it when he finally gets his license! Ry won't think its so funny when he takes our vehicles over the largest obstacle possible!

Walker keeps our family laughing and everybody gets their fair share of hugs and kisses while he is around. Remington loves to get hugged (aka tackled) by Walker when he gets home from school, and Indi and Walker have such a good time playing together (Walker is still willing to do whatever she asks of him...which keeps Indi quite happy!) He is growing up so fast, and I am so glad I get to be his mother and spend my days with him. Soon he will be grown, but for now i will enjoy chasing him and being chased by him around the house! Happy Birthday my little Walker!