Dear William,
I can't believe that it was six years ago that you were born!
It seems like yesterday that I finished teaching around the middle of June and couldn't wait to finally take it easy until August... your actual due date was August 4th. I was really looking forward to having free time to get everything set up and ready for your arrival... unfortunately things didn't go as I had planned.
I finished the school year with an achy back which quickly turned into a painful case of sciatica. I could barely feel my legs when I walked and my back was so sore that I couldn't do anything... except for swim (which I did a lot of at Grandma's pool).
I spent several times a week driving an hour each way to Munster to see a chiropractor. I could barely walk from my car into her office. Seriously, it would take me 10 minutes to cross the small parking lot and then I would stare at the curb near the door wondering how I was going to lift my legs up over the curb to walk into the office. Needless to say, I was miserable!
After a month of visits, I finally was able to move again. And, because I had lost a month of my "free time", I was desperate to have everything ready for you as well as have a little bit of fun.
The weekend prior to your birth was all about getting out of the house and having fun. Friday, I got up early and drove to Hobart to watch your cousins' last swim class for the summer. After swim class, we went out for lunch. On Friday evening, we went to the Porter County Fair with your cousins. At the fair, I waddled around in search of my all time favorite.... a chocolate covered banana! I found it and it was delicious! We had lots of fun with your cousins and went home really late in the evening.
Saturday, Daddy and I went into Chicago to the Land of Nod store to find some artwork for your bedroom. That's how you ended up with the red framed Babar prints. We couldn't decide which one we liked better so you ended up with both. After we left the store, we headed south to China Town where we had dinner and walked around and stopped at a bakery for almond cookies!
Sunday, we were invited to the Railcats game by your cousins. It was a really hot day and we sat in the sun eating hot dogs and watching the game. I really would have liked to have a cold beer, but that was out of the question so I settled for a caffeine free soda.
After the game we went home. Daddy had purchased a video camera and was sitting on the deck reading the instructions... which I had been pestering him to do for weeks (just in case you were to arrive early). I went upstairs and was going to take a shower. I went potty and stood up only to find myself still pottying (gross, I know). I couldn't figure out what was going on, sat back down and continued to potty for several seconds. "Ah, ha!", I thought.
"Brian!!!", I yelled out the window to your Dad, who was still outside reading directions. "I think my water just broke!" (Babies are in a bag of fluid while they are growing in their Mommy)
I don't think Daddy heard me so I yelled louder for him to come inside. He eventually came in and called the doctor for me.
I called Aunt Gayle who was more excited than I was (I was really nervous). I asked her if she wanted to join us at the hospital later which she did.
We stayed at home or several hours before heading over to St. Anthony in Crown Point. Daddy drove really fast because it was a long drive and I was still leaking fluid... which was not fun.
We had to check into the hospital through the ER. The receptionist was not friendly or quick on her feet. She made me wait a long time before a nurse came to get me and bring me up to my room.
I'll spare you all the icky details other than your Dad napped while I was in labor (Yes, Brian I AM still angry). You loudly came into the world the next morning, July 26th, which was a Monday. You were absolutely beautiful. Even though I was pregnant with you and knew you would eventually make an appearance, I was completely stunned to see you. It still makes me cry when I think about it. That was such a wonderful day. You cried for an hour after you were born and then didn't cry again until we brought you home. Mimi, Papa, Grandma, the Bentons and Mommy's friends all came to see you.
This weekend, we celebrated your 6th birthday with a "Star Wars" theme. Saturday was your "friend" party at the Jump Zone in Crown Point. You had a great time with your friends. Sunday was your family party at our house (the funniest part of the day was Snoopy discreetly jumped onto the dining room table and polished off the frosting from the rest of the unattended birthday cake... he later got sick and threw it all up).
Today we are going into the city to the Field Museum by your request. I hope you enjoyed your weekend and your 6th birthday. May the force be with you!
William, you are the best! Thanks for making me a Mommy!
Happy 6th Birthday My Little Guy!
I Love You!!!
xoxoxoxoxox
Mom
Hanging out 
Grandma and Kids
Claudia and Jordan with their FAVORITE animal.... the zebra!
William
Walking to School
In front of the TLC sign
Walking to School
The Ice Cream Truck!!!!
Claudia and Aunt Christie
Target Practice
The kids in the helicopter
Target practice with Uncle Eric
Eric, William and Brian
Claudia, William and Cousins
Brrrr... the water is so cold!
The Graduate
William and Claudia
Mom (after crying) and William
Papa, William, Mimi
Grandma, Claudia, William
For end of the year gifts for their teachers, the kids painted terra cotta pots, planted basil and wrapped their gifts with a note wishing their teachers a "delicious summer". The gifts were a big hit! 
Dear Susan (Mommy), 
