Happy Birthday, Brayden!

Three years ago, Cole gave me the greatest gift of my life - she gave birth to my first son Brayden. Anyone who really knows Brayden can truely agree that he was a difficult boy, but there wasn't one day where he didn't make you smile. Like all kids Brayden has rough days and awesome days, but at the end of the day I will always have an unconditional love for my little buddy. I remember the day he was born and the many weeks thereafter like it was yesterday - his colic symptoms, constant crying, neediness, diaper blowouts, silly laughs, attitudes, wrestling games, his love for applesauce and green beans... and on and on. Today, I can carry a normal conversation with him and I just become amazed more and more by how fast he is growing up. I remember the other night he had a bad dream. He woke up in the morning and I asked him, "Did you have a bad dream?". He said, "Yes". I told him that bad dreams weren't real and when he wakes up with me he would be OK. The next night he says, "Daddy, I won't have bad dreams when I'm with you?" I tell him, "Buddy, I will always protect you from bad dreams". He says, "OK" and passes out. I'll always remember that moment and cherish every moment with him for the rest of my life. Love you buddy... you are my best friend. Happy Birthday!