10

10 years ago today at 9:01 am our Jonathan Elijah entered this world. I remember his birth well
partly because it was the first and partly because it was sooooo long. We went to the hospital on April 2nd at 7am. Aggressive labor started later that afternoon. By shift for the nurses they were taking bets on when he would arrive. We made all the way until shift change again in the morning, still pushing. Finally the doctor decided to help me out a little and Jonathan arrived. After his bath and weighing, etc. I held him for hours and we watched some baseball together while Heath and our parents showered and rested a bit.

Jonathan has always had a smile that can light up a room. He was a show stopper, he stole the spot light in any room just with his charm. He was so easy to care for. He just went anywhere, slept when he needed too. He was so easy going. When we told him he was going to have a brother he was so excited. He couldn't wait! When Noah arrived Jonathan took his job as big brother very seriously. He held off on the joking and laughing so much. He was very protective of Noah. This went on until we had Caleb. Now he was a big brother to two and realized after about a year, he can do it. He can be himself and look out for his brothers. That wise cracking funny guy reappeared and he has been present ever since.

He loves basketball, especially KU basketball. He eat, sleeps, lives and breathes for basketball. Every day he shoots some hoops before school and plays all evening when we don't have games or practices to go too. His dream is to go to KU and play but he has admitted if given the chance, he will go anywhere. As long as he gets to play, that is his goal. He dreams of becoming a coach, of course once his NBA career is over! During close games that KU is playing, he will get out some
paper and draw up some plays to help them win the game. He and his best friend, Jake, like to do this together too on rainy days. I think they have a full play book by now.

Jonathan cares for a lot of people. He might not show it but he has a big heart. He worries about
other people when they are sick or not feeling well or hurting. He is usually the first person to ask to pray for others.

I can't believe it has been 10 years.......double digits! The past 10 years have been so great and
amazing and full of surprises and I am looking forward with great excitment to the next 10.