Looking Back - My Baby Boy's Story

Seven years ago today--and from about this very moment--I was awakened by stronger-than-Braxton-Hicks contractions. And, for drama's sake--and to make sure the father of the child knew just how much I was suffering--I may (or may not have) groaned and moaned a little...at least enough to wake him up. I do know for a fact that I said to him, "I think I'm going to have a baby today." We weren't due for another 10 days, but I just had this feeling. Woman's intuition, I guess.

The contractions subsided a little bit, so I dismissed my earlier comments as we headed to the doctor's office for the "weight-check" ultrasound. After having delivered a 9 1/2 pounder already, the doc just wanted to know. I was a little curious too, seeing as how these big babies were coming out of me.

Thankfully, we had scheduled my parents to watch the other two children so we could both be present for the ultrasound (well, I guess I didn't have a choice) because during the ultrasound my contractions intensified so much the doc said, "Well, I guess it's time. Why don't you go on over." I remember I cried worrying about the two at home. I hadn't said good-bye to them with the thought in mind that I'd be gone for a day or two. May have been the hormones too.

After a little help from some pitocin...after a little relief from an epidural, an 8 pound, 10 ounce Jacob greeted the world a little after 8 pm. What I remember most about those last few pushes was that the epidural had worn off so I was feeling everything, including two little feet who were kicking his way out.

Those two little feet may be bigger now, but they haven't stopped kicking. My baby boy...shy around others but a wild man here at home--and growing everyday in confidence so that he even shows some of that "wild man" side of him outside our home. He's a rough and tumble boy who can take a punch and dish it out too. But he's also a sweet, thoughful, affectionate little man who has but to offer one of his shy glances and your heart will melt away. And although he may not be the one who envies the spotlight, the things he says are so funny he often finds himself there anyway.

I'm so proud of him. As I look forward to another year in which we are blessed with our little man, I pray for wisdom and guidance as we learn just the right balance of being there for him and knowing when to step back to give him the room he needs to continue to grow in confidence.