26 yrs. ago today....

… I was laying in a bed at White County Memorial Hospital in Searcy, AR waiting to meet my baby. Back then, they didn’t do ultrasounds on pregnant women, so I really had no clue if my baby was a boy or a girl, or if it had 10 fingers and 10 toes. I remember praying so hard that it was healthy and although my mother-in-law was CONVINCED it was going to be a girl (and I had pink poncho’s waiting in a closet at home because of that) I secretly hoped for a boy.

I got my wish. I got a beautiful, healthy baby boy which we named Michael Derek Wells. “Michael” because it was his father’s first name. “Derek” because that was the drummer’s name in the Little River Band. At one point during my pregnancy, when we were trying to think of what we would name our baby, Derek’s Dad handed me an album cover from his favorite band, LRB… and said pick a name from someone in this band. Of course I said, “But what if it’s a girl?” and he promptly said, “Well, then her adoptive parents can name her.” He was kidding…. I think.

But he seriously wanted a boy. And we got a perfect one!! A boy that has made me SO proud to be his Mom. A boy that has grown into a wonderful, loving man. A son that has brought SO much love and joy into my life. Being a parent isn’t easy, but it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I thank God everyday for giving me all three of my kids.. they are precious, beautiful and perfect! I am blessed…

Happy Birthday DW…. Mama loves you!