Meeting her brother for the 1st time!

Emma met Caiden tonight!  We joined Shelli, Kent, Cody (their son), and Caiden at Chili's. 

We learned many things as they did about our recent lives.

Caiden won 1st place for an art drawing his teacher submitted against all the other elementary schools.  It was a drawing of a coffee mug, book, and candle on a side table.  I received a xeroxed copy of it and it was amazing.  Next, Caiden won a math competition at his school for reasoning on mathmetical problems.  Caiden made straight A's in 4th grade and works really hard in school.  Also, Caiden is teaching himself how to play the piano.  He says he can't actually read the music, but through trial/error and practice he is now able to play a few pieces by Beethoven!!!!!  He really enjoys playing his his three dogs (2 Boston Terrier's and 1 Dachshund).  They just returned this past Spring Break from Destin, Florida.  Caiden really wanted to go deep sea fishing because he had never been before, but became sea sick the whole way out.  He did catch one red snapper, but they had to throw it back because it wasn't in season.  He wasn't sick returning back to shore, and that was his favorite part!  Caiden is playing soccer right now, but he also loves to play baseball. 

The visit between Emma and Caiden was really good.  I compared Caiden and Emma at this stage-what both of their likes/dislikes were, what they enjoyed doing, how the deliveries were completely different, etc.  I brought Caiden a picture of Emma to keep, and also shared pictures I pulled from when Caiden was her age now and we looked at those.  Caiden was very attentive listening to the stories/memories.  Caiden gave Emma two gifts, a huge, soft, plush elephant she can lay on and a 100 First Baby Words book.

Caiden picked up her pacifier when she dropped it and went to wash it off for her, which was very sweet.  He also picked up other things she was dropping and handed them back to her.  It was bittersweet to watch them two together.  I have dreamed of this day since I became pregnant with Emma!!  Another thing, Kent and Shelli told me Caiden actually requested that they call me to set up a dinner date!!!!  That finally gives me the reassurance and proof I have been praying for to know that Caiden wants to see me, and that he wants to know Emma :) 

So many times I have sat back and waited for a return phone call time after time.  Eventually, I just told myself to be patient, as much as it hurt.  I have never wanted to interfere with his life or make him feel uncomfortable.  I've always wanted him to be happy, stable, healthy, and successful.  I know he already has everything he needs.  But, I want to be there for him IF he ever does need me and I want to be in his life and his in mine.  I want him to always know I love him as much as I love Emma

I hope this continues and grows!!!!!!!!