We parked the car and he jumped out all excited.
'Are you ready? Come on let's go.'
I was ready, I think. I anxiously got out and walked toward the building. I turned around and nervously asked Al to leave the bags in the car... just in case.
'It's ok... I'm bringing everything.'
With duffle bags, pillows and one big swollen belly in tow - we announced our arrival to the awaiting nurse.
'Finally! We've been waiting for you. We left a message for you at your home. The doctor wants you set up with fluids as soon as possible. Follow me, we have your room ready.'
Really? (I think) They were waiting for me? I felt no rush to get there...
Even at 3am when I felt a pop and thought I peed my pants. I soon realized my water had broke, we rolled over and went back to sleep for a few hours. (how did I ever fall back to sleep?)
At about 6am, we took showers. Then, Al watered the back yard and I ate a nectarine. I curled my hair and talked on the phone with my sister. I was expecting instant pain and a baby to just fall out since my water broke, but nothing.
Finally as we gathered our bags around 8:20am or so I was moving slower, breathing heavier. Still we took pictures of each other and I videotaped him loading up the car. Silly, I know. The ride there did seem longer than usual and I distinctively remember resting my feet up on the dash and gripping the handle. I'd been having contractions for weeks now. Even though these were 'more real' and my water broke I was still not convinced that 'IT WAS TIME'.
'You are (pause...as she looks toward the ceiling and off into space)... I'd say you're a good 6-7cm. We'll go ahead and start your paperwork and get things set up'.
It was 9:10am
There were things to sign, bracelets to put on and blood to be taken. All I wanted to do was sleep. I remember opening my eyes a few times and I'd see people walking in and around the room, adjusting monitors and such.
Anxious to get this show on the road I'm awoken by my husband...
'Babe look. They've brought in a table and all the stuff for the baby... look.'
It was time to push. Again, no desire. They let me rest thru some of the contractions but then- it was showtime!
You know those lights they set up for premieres and at car dealerships that swirl in the sky to draw your attention... they had a few of those mounted in that room. They were blinding and concentrated right.on.me.
With every last ounce of energy - I delivered a baby, given life to a new little person, become a Mother and blessed the man I love with a Son. I smiled and floated around the room. So proud that I did it and impressed with the little breathing miracle that we just produced.
It was 12:17pm
He was perfect. So tiny. All ours.
One of my most favorite days ever... meeting him, ten years ago.
It's amazing how we loved even the thought of him.
Then to anticipation his arrival, to finally see him, hold him and love him instantly.
With every passing day and year, loving him even more...
It was time to go home ~ with an extra little person.
We sat at the curb waving goodbye to the nurses for a moment. I was in back, next to the carseat. Because I had to stare at him the whole way home.
'Are you ready?'
This time, I was. I was SO READY to take him home and be a family.
'What are you waiting for?' ... I asked. 'Let's go'
