What is most interesting to me about this day is that I recall all of it. Every last detail. While I generally complain that my memory does not serve me well in my post-pregnancy state, I am able to recall everything about this day. My thoughts, my emotions, my anxiety, our early morning conversations (not yet realizing that we were to be parents on this very day), exactly what I was wearing, what I ate for lunch (philly cheesesteak sandwich from a local cafe) and most importantly, the sound - the breathtaking sound - of my baby's first cry. Even though I had been walking around with a belly the size of China for the past few weeks, it wasn't until I heard that incredible sound did I realize that this child was ours. We were parents. It was incredible.
Drew was born by C-section. It was an unplanned C-section (and strongly resisted by yours truly) but was performed at the direction of my OB due to the anticipated size of the baby (the ultrasound on the afternoon of the 26th told us to expect a baby in the 10 pound 6 ounce arena). The anticipated size of the baby, along with elevated blood pressure, were her reasons for urging me towards the C-section this evening. So what began as simply the day after Christmas with a 1:00 appointment for an ultrasound (scheduled only because I was 1 day past my due date of December 25th), turned out to be, "Hey everyone, come to the hospital, we're having a baby tonight!"
Fortunately, we had asked both of our mothers to be present with us for our 1:00 ultrasound that day. They were sitting in the room with us when the ultrasound tech said, "Whoa - this is a big one" and handed me a small sheet of paper with her prediction of size written on it: 10 pounds, 6 ounces. I laughed out loud and handed the paper to Dan.
The next few hours were a flurry of activity. After informing my OB of the anticipated size (which no doubt caused my blood pressure to increase), they prepared me for surgery. The phone rang as I laid in a triage bed in the hospital and my OB explained that, "Lauren, I know that a C-section is not the way you envisioned your labor, but this is what I strongly suggest." I informed Dan and our mothers of my OB's advice and based on her medical opinion, I conceded and went into surgery at 6:30 pm. It was kind of intimidating for me to walk into an operating room (as I have been blessed with good health) and see all of the sterile equipment and watch Dan suit up in his scrubs. It was scary, but exciting at the same time. I was nervous about what to expect during the surgery since I never even really considered that I would have a C-section and this all was happening so fast. Dan held my hand for the quick 20 minutes it took to deliver our baby. We couldn't wait to learn the gender of our first baby and the excitement and thrill was tremendous. I will never forget the sound of the doctor's voice say, "OK, Daddy, get ready, we're almost there . . . " and it was Dan's emotional voice that I heard say, "It's a boy!" Then, I immediately heard the cry of our first newborn son as he took his very first breath and I saw my Drew Bear for the first time. It was amazing. I immediately thought he was adorable. There is nothing in the world quite like becoming parents for the first time.
I remember thinking that my heart was going to explode and how could I possibly love something so much. I didn't ever want to put him down.
We quickly adjusted to parenthood and I enjoyed my maternity leave with Drew all snuggled up by the fireplace during the cold winter months.
Drew continues to give us such joy and although he can be a challenge at times, he has evolved into a sweet and tender-hearted 4-year old.
So on with the celebration! We started Drew's 4th birthday party at the Magic House, a St. Louis Children's Museum. We spent several hours playing at the Magic House before the party began.
During the party, we created train conductor hats, painted train whistles, decorated our cupcakes and watched Drew open presents. It was a lot of fun.
After the Magic House, the party continued at our house with family for his 'Diego' party.
Dinner from the Olive Garden was great and helpful to pick-up since we were playing all day!
Through the day, Drew got bazillions of presents . . . and our living room quickly became overloaded with the gifts from Christmas still piled up and not yet put away.
Dan and I were very excited to give Drew our gift. It is our hope that it will be a fun way for the boys to play together and get some exercise indoors during the LONG winter months. So far, the bounce house is a huge success!
Happy 4th birthday, Drew Bear. I love you so very much.
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