SIXTEEN

16 years ago tonight I had no idea my world would be so different in 24 hour's time. I was 8 months, 5 days pregnant with our first child. We had tried to find out what we were having with an ultrasound, but Bradley would have none of that. He kept himself curled up and very quiet during that appointment. But deep inside, I knew I was having a girl. I could feel it. Alexis Dawn was the name we had chosen, and I was already calling "her" Alexis as I rocked and sang to "her" in our new rocker.

My pregnancy had been very smooth and I was measuring right on schedule. I carried VERY high the whole time, constantly shoving little legs out of my ribs. The next morning, Sunday, Jan. 7, we went to church as usual, but I noticed that sitting in church wasn't nearly as uncomfortable. With carrying so high, I had to sit crooked to breathe, but I could tell the baby had dropped because I could breathe while sitting normally. But I didn't suspicion anything was happening. We came home, had roast for dinner, and I laid down for my Sunday afternoon nap. Around 3:30 I got up, and my water broke. I couldn't believe it, as I was feeling fine and wasn't having any contractions or anything. We headed to the hospital, and 5 1/2 hours later, at 8:02 PM Bradley Scott Hydorn was born. I think it goes down in record when the nurse said, "it's a boy!" that was one of the biggest shocks of my life! I wasn't disappointed- just surprised. So much for Mamma's intuition.

6 pounds 4 ounces and perfectly healthy- My firstborn

Forgive me as I am feeling quite emotional tonight- I can't believe my baby is turning 16 tomorrow. I cannot express the joy this beautiful boy has brought me over the years. Time is going so fast, and although I know God has amazing plans for Bradley, sometimes I feel very selfish and don't want him to grow up so I can keep him here with me.  I have spent the evening tonight going through his scrapbooks, remembering, reminiscing, smiling, and feeling such great pride as I see each photo and read each story that goes with them. I decided to take a stroll down memory lane and share a photo from each year. Here's my happy birthday card blog-style to my 16 year old. I love you Bradley Scott!

Age- 1 1/2 - From the time he could walk, we knew sports were going to be in his future. He loved ANYTHING involving a ball. He loved his little golf set, and always had to use the blue club.

Age 2 - Look Bradley, you used to want to do dishes!!  Now that it's his chore at home, he doesn't like it so much!

Age 3- His first fish! He caught it at Lake Okoboji on our Fox family vacation.

Age 4 - Baseball was always in his blood. He was watching ESPN from the time he could turn the TV on. And he didn't just watch baseball, he studied it... and learned. We were big Braves fans and his room was decorated in Braves colors/border. He went to his first Major League baseball game during this summer (Braves/Cardinals), and was entranced.



Age 5- And now he gets to play for the first time and not just watch! Needless to say, he loved Tee ball!



Age 6- He learned to ride his bike without training wheels.



Age 7- He really started golfing for the first time during this summer, so we entered him in the local Drive, Chip, and Putt competition, and he placed in the top 5 for putting! He was so proud!

Age 8- The determination he has to work hard at his sports really came out during this year. He was moving up to Minor Leagues and wanted to pitch. Day after day after day, he would place home plate in front of the garage door and practice his pitching throwing a tennis ball against the garage. He got his chance to pitch during the first game of the season. We had the lead and just had to keep it. He came to the mound and struck out the side 1, 2, 3. I think that was a defining moment for him.



Age 9- He made his acting debut in his 4th grade Christmas program at Grandview as Malchus, a wise man. I don't think the acting bug stayed with him, however. : (



Age 10- It's time for braces- his first set of two rounds of braces (and thousands of dollars later). This also marks his last day of school at Grandview before beginning going to Carlisle in 5th grade.













Age 11- First trip to Colorado with another Fox vacation. He loved the mountains and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. He also white water rafted for the first time, and we discovered his daring side coming out (he always was pretty cautious as a child)

Age 12- First airplane ride down to Florida for a Hydorn family vacation. First time in the ocean too! It was cold!

Age 13- Ran in his first 5 K at Old Settlers. He did awesome!

Age 14- Starting high school

Age 15- First mission trip with our church- to Denver, CO. It was life- changing and Dad and I pray that there will be more mission trips to come, and that you'll continue to serve the Lord throughout your life.


Bradley- I am so proud of you, and I love you with all my heart! I love the times we spend together late at night, even if you're just trying to stay up a little later. I love that we share our love of the King of Queens- a good quote can always cheer the other one up. I love watching you play sports- I love seeing how you've matured and grown in your faith this past year- I love your sense of humor- I just love YOU.   Happy 16th!