Watching her, I felt my heart break. I knew that our days as a pair were numbered.
In the afternoon, our family of three took a walk to the library on Evergreen avenue. It was sunny, but Eliza still insisted on wearing her Thomas the train boots.
I begged my husband to push the stroller up Millstream avenue. He happily obliged.
That evening, I paid serious attention to my contractions. My due date was two weeks away. I wonder what we had for dinner?
I took a shower.
Eliza and I read books in her rocking chair, sang songs & prayed with Daddy. I kissed her goodnight.
"Not ready to go yet... give me another hour to see if they stay consistent."
Andrew decides to "wait" in bed. He falls asleep.
Contractions continue. I blog surf to pass time. Yes. I think it's time to get ready.
I flat iron my hair. I can't help but smile. I can't help but cry. Everything is going to change.
At 1:00 a.m. I whisper the classic line to my sleeping husband, "Andrew. Wake up. It's time to go."
We call his Mom to come and stay with Eliza.
*A tender mercy* An overly-emotional, version of myself worried intensely about saying "goodbye" to Eliza when the time came. I felt thankful that she was asleep when I left. Her daddy would be home the following night to tuck her in. I'd never spent a night away from her.
Excitement is oozing out of Teresa as she wishes us luck. She takes a picture of me by the front door.
Andrew asks, "Do you want me drop you off at the door before I park?" I decline. Nothing hurts. Casually, I walk into the maternity ward.
"I think I'm in labor."
The nurses look bored. "Okay my dear... let's hook you up and being the monitoring process."
3:00 a.m. Good news. You dilated another centimeter. You're at a five. Let me take you to your delivery room.
SHOCK. COMPLETE SHOCK. I thought it was going to be deemed a 'false alarm.' I had been apologizing to Andrew for keeping him awake so late when he had class the next day. I withdraw each apology.
The anesthesiologist arrives. God bless him. I relax. My water is broken. Andrew falls asleep. The night turns into day as I stare out my window, unable to sleep.
I whisper to a sleeping husband. "I think I'm going to throw up - find me something quick." My apologies to the nurse who showed up 30 seconds too late.
My unattractive, covered in vomit, patient sheet-of-an-outfit is switched with a clean one. I'm transitioning. My O.B. arrives. I like her a lot. The nurse (again) is M.I.A. My O.B. starts shouting for help. "Whether they arrive on time or not... this baby is coming!"
The Nurse arrives. At 8:49 I start pushing. Six minutes later, our son is born. My heart grows another size bigger.
Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of our sweet Henry. Today, we celebrate the beautiful weather:
14 comments:
Once again, I totally relate! You always have a way of putting how I have felt at one point, into words...beautifully! Happy Birthday Henry!
I love that thankyou for sharing!!
What a beautiful account. They grow up so fast, it seems the time just goes right out the window. He is DARLING (as is Eliza, obviously!)
Happy Birthday to Henry! And thanks for making motherhood always seem like such a blessing.
Wow that went by fast. I can't believe he is 1 yesr. He is so sweet.
Wow! He is one already!! Your impressive amount of details a year later astounds me! I love how you write!
WOW! I forget that Ian is only 4 months older than Henry. They will be buds one day. Hopefully you will eventually move back!
ok, if we don't get nice weather soon, i'm going to scream. when can we come to see you guys???
Happy Birthday Henry!!
-(from your buddy Brayden)
Happy Birthday Henry! You know he's right in between Marian and Aidan. I'm thinking a Disney birthday trip would be very appropriate at some point.
I love what you wrote. I remember the guilt about what I was doing to Aidan by having another baby, and thinking I might not love her as much as him, and then she came and it was like we had all been waiting for her to make us more complete.
Happy Birthday HARNRY. I wish I were there to give him a big kiss.
Colby says "Happy Birthday Henry, I can't wait for cake and ice cream tonight. YUM!"
How crazy that all of that was a year ago - I can't believe how time flies (well at least for me it did!) I can remember seeing newborn Henry and he was a beautiful baby and has grown into this little man with so much personality! How fun to reminisce. (sp??)
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