I should be sleeping, that is what they say at least, when he sleeps you sleep. But alas, I am not, for some reason I cannot during the day, there are just too many things that need to be done. Right now, that is showing gratitude.
I need to start with my mother. I don’t think I have enough thank you’s, or a way to really say thank you for all that she has done for me. I am not a single mother, but the father does not live here, so it means I am on my own for the day to day with my new little guy. Even before he was here, she was here. She got up with me at 1:45am to take me to the hospital when my water broke. She stayed with me during the late night/early morning hours, into the day, and then back into the night. It was almost a full 24 hours before she was able to go home. She stayed with me through the birth, helping in whatever ways I needed it. She walked the halls with me, braided my hair, got the nurse when they were ignoring the call button, brought me food early on when I could eat, and held a leg during delivery when I needed it. My mom is amazing, truly, she is ALWAYS putting others before herself, and she has done a lot of that for me of late.
Luckily for me, my mom is also here for me, for the day to day. You would not think something so small could require SO MUCH. But, you know on the one hand it makes sense, he cannot do for him, but on the other hand, you would not think something so small would need so much, lol! It is very rewarding serving him, having someone so dependent upon you. I am getting off track, but I know you understand the point. Every step of the way she is there for me, including helping me out in the middle of the night. I know she enjoys her time with her new grandson, and I do try to give her the more rewarding jobs; such as giving him his bottle when he needs it, while I change the diapers. She likes to bounce him on the exercise ball, it gives her exercise, which she enjoys, while it soothes him. I recognize ALL she does, and I VERY much APPRECIATE every bit of it, thank you mom, truly, thank you!
Next I will mention Lindsay, the type of friend who is more like family, my oldest friend, we have known each other since infancy. I called Lindsay bright and early to let her know I was in labor, she wanted to be in the room. Not long after making that call, she was in the room (stopping on the way for a few things, asking me what I needed). Every step of the way she was there. She walked the halls with me when my mom went for food. She told us funny stories, keeping us all laughing. She offered to do so much, every time I turned she was offering to do something else, including holding legs, updating the nurses board, taking pics, and not complaining about anything I was unable to do for myself. It was so amazing to have her. She spent the first night I was in the hospital with me, making sure I was okay, helping me breastfeed, or just holding the baby if I needed it. She never complained, always smiled, and was just there.
She was also there for me before delivering. She came over and help me put my crib together, and organized his room. She also gave me much of the stuff I need for him, walkers, jumpers, rock-n-play, among other things, which was so very generous. We have known each other for our entire lives, and she has definitely been such an important part of this process. She has been AMAZING, and I truly appreciate EVERYTHING she has done, since it takes her away from her husband and children. Thank you Lindsay, truly, thank you!
Last, but certainly not least, not even close, was Mary. I have known Mary as long as I can remember. She was the neighbor growing up, living behind us, but she was so much more then that. I have so many childhood memories that include Mary, and while we lost touch for a number of years, she came back in our lives a while back, and it really was at the perfect time. She was so excited knowing I was pregnant, and offered to be in the room, I said absolutely. She came to the hospital as soon as she was off of work, bringing food with her. I unfortunately could no longer eat, but I told everyone else to indulge, as she brought enough for every one. Mary is a nurse, and honestly, it is always great having a medical professional in the room when you are giving birth. Mary also offered to do whatever I needed, and she took LOTS of pictures documenting the whole thing, which was truly awesome! After the baby was out, and I could eat, she fed me a sandwich while I held my new son. She also helped me to get him to latch right away, so that he could eat. It was truly very special having her in the room with me.
Mary was also a big help prior to delivering. My mom threw me a little baby shower, with just a few close family friends, and Mary offered to host that. She also asked questions, and gave advice on my birthing plan, which was great as I knew nothing, so it was really nice having someone so knowledgeable. She has come to see him a couple of times since, and has even brought him some amazing burp cloths. I truly want to THANK YOU Mary for being such a tremendous part of this. I truly appreciate everything you have done, and don’t know what I would have done if I did not have you. Thank you Mary, truly, thank you! (PS- I sadly do not have pics of Mary with the baby from that day, since she was taking pics, she did not do a selfie, I WILL be changing that!!)
I do not know what giving birth is supposed to be like, I have nothing to compare it to. I just know there was a lot of laughing in that room. The stories and reminiscing were amazing as my little one took his time to come into the world (even though he was early). Thank you ladies, for making this experience so wonderful for me, truly, thank you! I am posting this image once more, it really shows how fun the room was!
Even though this post is really about these AMAZING women, I want to take a moment to say, the father was there, just not physically. Jason could not come for the birth, but we were on the phone much of the time, he was called when I first went to the hospital, and the conversations did not end until well after the baby was born. He too was very much there for me, in every way he possibly could be, and I would like to thank him for that.
Be Your Authentic You 