Happy Birthday, Brandon

Today Brandon is 5! I remember vividly this day 5 years ago. It was a Friday. I went to the hospital to have some tests done to make sure he was ok and there was enough amniotic fluid since I was going to go past my due date over the weekend.
After an ultrasound, the nurse hooked me up to some machines to monitor Brandon's heart and my contractions, if there were any. My mom was with me and said it looked like I was having contractions, so the nurse took the papers to the doctor for him to look at (not my doctor). He said everything looked just fine and they sent me on my way.
I went shopping with my mom (this ends up being a pattern for me)and had to keep stopping to hold on to the cart because my stomach hurt so bad. I had induced labor with my first 2 kids, so I wasn't sure what it felt like to go on my own. However, I was pretty sure this wasn't it, since the doctor had just told me 30 minutes ago that I wasn't in labor.
We finished our shopping and I had my mom drive home because I was in so much pain. I called my husband to come home and take me to the my doctor's office so I could find out what was going on. He checked me and I was dilated to an 8. Fortunately, my doctor's office is in the hospital so I walked myself down to labor and delivery with my husband following close behind.
By the time I was ready and checked again, I was at a 9. Brandon was born a very short time later. Now, 5 years later, I am so grateful to have this little guy in our family. I say, "little" because he is for his age. He also doesn't talk a whole lot, but when he does, he's bound to say something sweet.
In fact, he doesn't miss many opportunities to say, "I like you, Mom."
Brandon, I like you too. A whole bunch.