There are moments in life that forever alter the course of our existence. For me, one such moment was the day my son, Jason, was born. Embracing parenthood again is perfect. It was a day filled with a whirlwind of emotions, an unforgettable experience that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Days before I found out I was pregnant with Jason, Jeff and I were researching adoption. About a week later, I took a pregnancy test anticipating another negative one. I was wrong, and the feeling was exhilarating. Laura said she always knew that she would have a brother. She was correct.
The Anticipation
The days leading up to Jason’s birth were a mix of excitement and nerves. I definitely felt very uncomfortable. Like Laura, Jason enjoyed being up near my right rib cage. We went to my OB appointment to discover my blood pressure ran high. The night before, I felt terrible and wanted strawberry jello with cool whip. At one in the morning of February 20, 2013, I woke up to use the bathroom. I felt a bit weird. My stomach felt tight and I got sick. I felt my stomach get tight and not. After countless Google searches, about what labor felt like, I decided to tell Jeff around 5 am that I thought I was in labor. With Laura, I never felt pain so I had no idea. Embracing parenthood is amazing.
The anticipation was almost palpable as I prepared to meet the little person who had been growing inside me for the past nine months. I remember packing and repacking the hospital bag, making sure everything was perfect and ready for the big day. It was a time filled with hope, wonder, and a hint of anxiety.
The Arrival
I felt bad waking up Laura so early. She was 6 and not too pleased to have to go to the hospital. We called my dad and Jeff’s dad. My mom was recovering from knee surgery and Jett’s mom was in New York. Laura was sweet in the hospital and rubbed my arm until I had my IV. Jeff’s dad came to hang with Laura so I could have Jason,
When the moment finally arrived, it was both surreal and exhilarating. I vividly recall the rush to the hospital, my heart racing with every contraction. The delivery room was a blur of activity, with doctors and nurses moving swiftly to ensure everything was in place. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there was a profound sense of calm as I focused on bringing Jason into the world.
The moment he was born, time seemed to stand still. I had a C-section. At first they had trouble getting the spinal in. It took three tries because it was hard to have me stay still due to cerebral palsy. Hearing his first cry was the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. He didn’t cry right away so that was terrifying. As they let me see him, I was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions—relief, joy, and an indescribable love. Looking into his tiny, scrunched-up face, I knew my life would never be the same. I wish I had this swing when he was a baby. I could have controlled it independently with an app. Any bit of pain is worth it to embrace parenthood.
First Moments Together
The hours following Jason’s birth were a beautiful blend of exhaustion and euphoria. Seeing Laura hood him for the first time was priceless. She was glowing with love for her brother. He weighed 5 pounds and 12 ounces. Holding him close, I marveled at his delicate fingers and toes, his tiny yawns, and the way he instinctively nuzzled against me. It was a time of bonding, of getting to know this new little person who had just entered my life.
Family and friends came to visit, their faces lighting up with joy as they met Jason for the first time. There were tears of happiness, countless photos, and an outpouring of love and support. It was heartwarming to see how Jason had already brought so much happiness to those around us. I, unfortunately, missed a lot because they gave me several muscle relaxers so I would not break my stitches.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I reflect on that day, I am filled with gratitude. Jason’s birth was not just the beginning of his life; it was the start of a profound journey for me as well. It was a day that taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and the incredible strength of the human spirit. I embraced parenthood with grace.
Every milestone, every smile, and every sleepless night since that day has been a testament to the wonder and beauty of parenthood. The day Jason was born was the day I became a parent to a son – a role that has brought me immense joy, growth, and a deeper understanding of life’s precious moments.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any memories you hold dear from your own experiences.
