33 years ago today, Nicholas Andrew Fortener was born. I thought he was going to get here on Leap Year day. At the time, I thought that would be cool to have a birthday on Leap Year day. But knowing my son NOW, he would have hated it. He LOVES his birthday...would hate to only have a "real" birthday every four years.
I actually went to the hospital on February 29. Spent the day walking the halls, THOUGHT I was in labor. He knew he didn't want his birthday on Feb. 29. So he waited a couple more days. It was a Monday, and early in the day I thought my water broke. Called the doctor, went in to be checked, and I was wrong. But going in to the doctor got the ball rolling. By the time Donny got home from work, I had dinner on the table. The three of us were eating dinner...me, Donny, Melissa. The labor pains started, about 5 minutes apart. Walked out the door to my friend Nancy, who was delivering Girl Scout cookies. Headed to Jean & Steve's to drop Melissa off. When we got in the car, Donny said "which way should we go? Down Wayne Ave or should we take 35?" "I DON'T CARE HOW WE GET THERE....GET ME THERE!"
We arrived at St. Elizabeth Hospital around 7:30 pm. Nicholas Andrew was born at 8:47 pm. No waiting for him! Our family was complete. A girl AND a boy. Happiest family ever. (and it was the first time I ever got roses too...Donny was VERY happy!)
So here we are 33 years later. I can't believe I have a son who is 33. I think we did good. He is loving and caring and sensitive and funny. And a good husband and dad. We are blessed.
We love you Nick! Happy 33rd on 3/3 (Donny and Nick are both into the #s thing, they think this is pretty cool too!)
Just wanted to share a few pics of Nick...
Nick...about 2 years old
Nick & Mom
...and grandpa
...and grandma and dad
...with "Uncle" Howard
GO IRISH!
...GOONIES, favorite movie of Nick AND Melissa!
...he can dress up too!
...a walk on the beach
...the boys
Nick, Mere and the boys with Aunt Sue
...and my two HAPPY kids!
This photo was taken on Melissa's 30th birthday. She never celebrated another one.
I can't believe my "baby" is three years older than my OLDEST.
Will never make sense to me....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS ANDREW! The BEST son EVER!!!!
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University of Dayton Lady Flyers for FORT
After Breast Cancer Awareness game...they all wore FORT bracelets (thanks to #33 Cassie Sant!) and agreed to have their picture taken wearing them! After this photo, they spent 90 minutes signing autographs. They are ranked 12th in the nation as of today, and will definitely be playing in the NCAA tourney. GO FLYERS!
Photo below is Cassie Sant - #33. She played for Fairmont, and was the first recipient of the
Melissa Fortener McLaughlin B POSITIVE Spirit Award. THANKS CASSIE!
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2013 Melissa Fortener McLaughlin B POSITIVE Spirit Award goes to...
Makayla Waterman
Congratulations Makayla! This is the third year in a row Makayla has won the award.
Last year, Makayla sat out several games recovering from a torn ACL. She's back this year, and defensively has been incredible. She has been struggling offensively some, and when Coach Cogan present the award, he said "when you are struggling, look at this plaque, and remember the adversity that Melissa went through. B POSITIVE!" I think Makayla took that to heart...on Saturday's District Final game, she had her best game of the season, ALL AROUND. And scored 14 points that we needed to win this game! We are so proud that Makayla Waterman is the recipient again this year.
Congratulations Makayla!!!
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And CONGRATULATIONS to the FAIRMONT LADY FIREBIRDS on ANOTHER
DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP!
We are so proud of you...Melissa would have been there for sure, cheering you on...but I KNOW she was there in spirit!
When we got to the game, Nick and Melissa's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McVey, and her husband sat right in front of us...had to get a picture - they both LOVED Mrs. McVey! She said "Oh Melissa was the most mature student in my class!" I ran into her several years ago, and that time she told me,
"Melissa was our timekeeper. She would always say "Mrs. McVey, it's time to go to art (or music, or gym, or lunch)..." She could tell time (on a regular clock) in kindergarten. She was pretty smart!
Chelsea and Alona with the District Championship Trophy!
Team photo ~ Way to go FIREBIRDS!
Alysa, Lindsay (my cousin), and Shea
Chelsea (our awesome point guard who will be going to Duquesne next year)
and her mom Grace...(told you you'd make the blog Grace!!!)
Cousin Lindsay gets the first cut at the net!
The Firebirds play Mason this Wednesday at Wright State Nutter Center @ 8.
The winner moves on to Regional Finals on Saturday.
GO BIRDS!!!
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Lots of good things going on this winter. Thank God for my husband, son, grandsons and Fairmont Basketball. I know I would be hibernating without them. Weather has been crummy, and I have been under the weather in more ways than one. I miss my daughter, I miss my sister. And I need sunshine. (Thought we were going to get THAT in Florida...HA!) But somehow, I get out of bed in the morning and go on. Some days I hate it. Then I get a message from a good friend Chelsea VanHorn(of course from the Franz family) that the Fairmont Softball team is sponsoring the
"First Annual Melissa Fortener McLaughlin 5K". If you live in town, the 5K is Saturday April 13. Come join us! I think it starts at Lincoln Park (by the Fraze). You can register at
http://www.keysports.net/
Part of the proceeds will go to Melissa's scholarship fund.
And my life has meaning again. I know she will be remembered. And THAT makes me smile.
Enjoy MARCH MADNESS. Spring is coming...and I HOPE sunshine too.
Have a good one.
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Love you Melissa Marie and miss you EVERY SINGLE DAY.
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