The Big One-Oh

Wrapping up the Cook birthdays for the end of May / beginning of June

is Kaidin.

Today at 7:17pm ET, he officially turned the big 1 0.

Ten years ago today, he weighed 8# 1oz and was 21 inches long.

He spent his first few days of life in the NICU at St. Vincent's Health Center.

He debuted on the Children's Miracle Network,

As being a non-preemie NICU baby.

Kaidin at a day old.  He was in the incubator.  We were only allowed to touch him through the hand portals.  He was a full term baby, but he spiked a fever after birth and they couldn't get it down.  He was released four days later.

 Seems like it was forever ago, but at the same time, it seems like it was yesterday.

 How time flies.

I felt bad that we couldn't celebrate today the way I wanted to . . .

We watched Courtney at soccer camp for three hours in the morning while it was drizzling . . .

The sun came out, but then

I babysat for four hours.

(He loves playing with the girls though and thought it was a blast)

But the biggest bummer of it all was that

His daddy was working and unable to see him today.

(So we're doing cake & ice cream with him later)

Kaidin is so easy going though,

And easy to please.

He still proclaimed that it was the best birthday ever!

What a sweetheart.

Below is a glimpse of his day.

 

Birthday Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage & OJ

He's been asking for this game for a long time.  He squealed with delight.

Not being able to contain his excitement.

An Anakin Pez Dispenser from his sister.  She's so thoughtful.

This was a genuine hug.

Kaidin has many expressions, but this one seems to be super popular with him.  He does love Star Wars!

A remote control helicopter.  He's gonna wait for Daddy to play with this.

He loves his gifts & is a very happy boy.

We gave him a choice: Having a birthday party or Not having a party and getting cash for the cost of it.  He chose cash.

And with part of his money he bought a DS game he's been dying to have.

His Birthday Lunch: Spaghettios with Meatballs

On birthdays, they have unlimited media time.  He spent quite a bit of his birthday in this exact spot.

The girls I babysit got the boys birthday presents.  They were so sweet to think of them.

Sling shots!!  They love these.

Birthday Dinner: Homemade Mushroom Pizza

His mouth was watering in anticipation of that first bite.

Since he's not having a cake today, we sang "Happy Birthday" around his pizza.

He 'caught' a rainbow on his hand.  Simple pleasures. =)

We were finally able to go out after dinner.  Where did he want to go??  None other than Joe Tucker Park.

Reading his book, "Baby News on the Firsts"

His youngest brother wanted a picture with the birthday boy.

We are so blessed to have Kaidin in our lives.

He brings us great joy!

We are so proud of the young man he is becoming.

Happy Tenth Birthday Kaidin!