I had just arrived at the hospital with contractions 2 minutes apart and 4 cm dilated. I was hooked up to a monitor, sitting straight up while having contractions, and remembering why on earth I ever wasted $50 on my birthing class because all those "breathing techniques" you are supposed to use went straight out the window. I remember feeling overwhelmed with knowing that within hours I would be a mommy. Something that I had wanted and prayed for for so long. Something that Jeremiah and I waited a long 2 years for. But remembering the saying..."Good things come to those who wait" rang true for us. Because I had progressed so quickly I just knew I wouldn't have any issues but little did I know that my precious baby Grant had a different agenda. After thirteen hours of labor, a lot of excitement, no sleep, many laughs, many tears, and a pep talk from my dad, I had no other choice put to have a c-section. At 9:15 am on November 16, 2010, Jeremiah and I became parents. I still remember turning Jeremiah's hand completely purple and how he gently just took my hand from his and put it on the other one so he could get blood flow back. I remember my nurse Patti (who was the most amazing person ever) lean over and say "He's here AraLeigh...Grant's here." I remember the most precious cry and looking at the miracle we made and telling Jeremiah "He's here...he's really here."
Jeremiah and I sat reminiscing last night about every second of being in labor. I sit here tonight and reminisce of what the past year has been like for me. It's been nothing short of perfection. Grant has been the perfect baby. Of course he knows how to throw a fit like the best of them and get angry when you take something from him. But I couldn't have been luckier than having a baby who loves to sleep and will eat almost anything.
I remember all the firsts that I've been able to experience...the first time he smiled at me or started cooing. Or the moment where he started crawling and he crawled to me. The first time he laughed. His first word..."Hey". The first time I felt the tinniest point of his first tooth coming through. His first time going to the beach. Or when I finally gave in and moved him from our room to his crib. When I had to lower his crib because I found him standing straight up in his crib and trying to crawl over. The first time he understood what the word "kiss" meant. And just recently his first steps. Now that he has it down he's walking everywhere.
Grant has been a joy to us and our family. I felt complete when my family of 2 became a family of 3. I often think about what did we do before we had a baby. I can't even think about life without Grant. He truly is a gift from God. A gift that God decided to bless us with when my family was going through such a trying time. He has lightened the darkest days. He puts a smile on my face when all I've done all day is frown. He has dried my tears with his laughter. He has made me realize what patience really is. He's made me realize to enjoy every single moment regardless of how small it may be. He's made me realize to never take anything for granted.
Mommy can't being to tell you how much she loves you little boy. You have made me the happiest mommy in the world. I have thoroughly loved every single moment I have been given with you this past year. And I look forward to all the ones ahead. Happy Birthday to my precious baby Grant. You are loved more than you will ever know.
Love,
Mommy
