Twelve years ago.....

Twelve years ago, a tiny little 9 lb 2.5 oz baby boy was born. Mark William Johnson made his way into the world through something of an eventful pregnancy for his mother.

Mark was born at 12:35pm by C-section due to the fact that he was a footling breech. What this means is that one of his feet was "stuck" in my pelvis. They tried and tried to turn him around (which hurt like crazy, must tell you) but, he remained steadfast in the position he was in.

Mark meets his big brother and sister for the first time.

Can you guess which foot was stuck?

Mark, being the baby of our family, gets extra special attention from his big brother and big sister. He has finagled his fair share of "gifts" from them. He is more than willing to help them part with their hard earned dollars.

Brittany gave Mark a Nintendo DS for this birthday. He loves his big sister a little extra now.

Mark is very well rounded guy. He is smart in school, he is a gifted musician, and he loves sports, especially soccer. From a very early age he has had such a gift for the funny. He keeps us laughing and we just can't believe some of the things that come out of that brain of his!

Now that he is twelve, here are 12 things that I love about Mark:

1. He has always had an easy time making friends. I guess that other kids like to be friends with the tall guy.

2. Mark is very fair. He seeks to correct the injustices of this world.

3. He has the cutest freckles across his nose. I don't like my freckles, but his are very cute.

4. Mark likes to be "hands on". He has never been satisfied just to be shown how to do something, he wanted to do it.

5. He still cuddles with his Mom. Shh don't tell anyone. I love his huggles!

6. Mark is very helpful. He can carry groceries in the house in a single bound and tries to carry every bag out of the store without the cart!

7. I love just spending time with him talking, I like to hear his thoughts on any subject.

8. Mark is responsible. His brother Andrew was a good example in this department, and he learned it well.

9. He loves to play games! You MUST play with him. He has a way of engaging you so that you can't say no.

10. Mark is going to be a great missionary. He wants to stay in the United States for his mission.

11. He likes to tease. He is not a brutal teaser but, a teaser nonetheless.

12. Mark is so excited to receive the priesthood, and to be a deacon. I can't wait to see him pass the sacrament.

Mark I love you so much son. You are the best youngest son I could ever have! Happy Birthday!