All mothers remember that moment when your first child cries for the very time after being born and the first time that this innocent little baby looks toward the face he has been hearing for months and months.
Yet, I also remember the fears of that inaugural day of motherhood with Andrew. I was lying in bed- sore and tired-- and everyone else was out of the room. The nurses were with other patients, Chris was napping after my long night of labor, and my parents were making phone calls to all the relatives. Andrew was placidly lying in his little baby bed next to my hospital bed. He stirred for a brief second, and I watched him. At that moment, an epiphany occurred to me: this baby was mine, and I had to take care of him no matter what.
I know that seems obvious, but at that moment, I was tired and truly not sure if I was capable of walking over to him if he cried. The enormous gravity of motherhood hit me in that hospital room. Truly, I was scared, so nervous about doing it all right. Luckily, he didn't cry. We both slept, and my first moments as a mom were peaceful.
10 years ago, I had Andrew and my journey as a mom began.
Andrew was an angelic baby. Sure, he cried a little, but he was a joy in my world. Before I knew it, however, he was crawling and my innocent baby had grown. The next nine years seemed such a blur of activity.
I can hardly remember the time when Andrew was not in school even though it has only been five years. (And- my digital camera is only five years old so I don't have any electronic pictures either!)
This was the earliest birthday picture I could find. From the candle count, I am guessing he turned six. (The other birthday pictures are not electronic. . .)And here he is now. A very independent, intelligent, athletic boy- well on his way to becoming a teenager.
Andrew's 9th BirthdayAndrew pitching last summer
Andrew's first love: Golf
Andrew looking like a grown boy, playing football. . .
Ten years ago my life changed because of Andrew. Happy Birthday baby!
2 comments:
One of my first memories of Andrew? Him peeing on me when he was a few days old—through his diaper, his sleeper, through my blue jean overalls. A true picture of an infant if ever there were one! Looking back, you were amazingly indulgent with me for being a new mom. I got to hold my nephew for hours, and I loved it! I remember when Matthew and Andrew were born—the first of their generation—I was in such wonder of the surge of emotion I felt being an auntie. Those kids weren't even mine, and I knew how much I loved them. I can't believe 10 years has already gone by since then! Tell the rest of your kids to stop growing, okay? ;)
Happy birthday to the big guy! Know I know that very same feeling. And i truly understand how fast the moments seems to fly by. It is amazing how fast they grow. I can't wait to see you all again and get to play a little golf with my buddy!
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