XII

Hey kids,
Daddy here. 12 years ago today, our family was blessed by the arrival of SteveO. I remember when Mama was pregnant with you, Jake and we were going to find out whether you were a boy or girl. I remember not wanting to find out, but mom did and when we found out you were a boy, I was super excited to have another son. On the day you were born, Alex spent the night at Grammie and Papa's house and mom and I got to the hospital about 5 a.m. It was President's Day and the anesthesiologist had forgotten to show up, so we had to wait a bit. It all worked out okay though, and you arrived safe and sound, okay maybe screaming a little. After they got you cleaned up and took you to the nursery, I was standing there on the other side of the glass just watching you sleep when Tutu and Grandpa showed up. Tutu asked me, "Which one is ours?" I said, as I pointed to you, "That's him right there." Grandpa asked, "What did we decide to name him?" And I said, "Jacob Albert Mansfield." Grandpa got the biggest smile on his face. He loved you so much, Jake. I know you don't remember him, but you made a very big impression on him from the first day he saw you.
Now here we are 12 years later. Countless adventures, funny stories and life changing years later. I hope you had a happy birthday son. You deserve it. You have brought so much joy into my life and continue to do so every day.  I hope you never wonder about how much I love you or how proud of you I am because it is beyond compare. I love you,

Daddy