brandi and i have a lot in common. we’re both virgos, born just nine days apart. we both went to holy names high school and formed a wonderful friendship there. we both got engaged and married around the same time, and we got pregnant within two months of each other.

pre-babies ~ april 2008

we used to joke about beating each other to the punch. i’d say “you may have gotten married before me, but i’m sooooo having a kid before you,” and she would say “HA, we’ll see about that!” i’m sorry to say she beat me, but not by much :) her little cutie-patootie maurice was born just one month and three days before miss ellie.

brandi’s birth story is one of my favorites. as i recall, she was so busy filling out paperwork at the hospital that by the time she was ready for her epidural it was too late! “momo” came screaming into the world au naturale, and brandi became super woman to me <3

sweet baby maurice

since that day exactly one year ago, we’ve swapped advice and experiences and shared in the joys and frustrations of mommyhood together. i’m so grateful we’ve had each other to talk to through it all <3

today, momo is not just your average 1-year-old. he's off-the-charts intelligent with model good looks and a winning personality. the kid is downright awesome, just like his momma :)

happy birthday, little man!