The Firstborn Son

There is something to be said about your firstborn. It is he/she that makes you what you are--a parent. It is he/she that shows you a love you never knew existed. My firstborn--he showed me that miracles are real and each of us truly is a blessing to the ones we're given to.

I remember that day in 2002. We were still living in Santa Cruz (Soquel, technically). It was a Monday--Martin Luther King Day. I was 36 weeks, 3 days pregnant. I had a check up with my doctor. I had been on modified bed rest since 24 weeks, when we discovered decreased amniotic fluid around the baby. And then, at 32 weeks got put on "strict" bed rest because I started having contractions. I had weekly checks starting at 32 weeks. I was dilated to 3-4 all that time (referred to as "stalled labor"). On that Monday, I waited for 15 minutes in the exam room. Dr. Nicholson came in and examed me,"Ok, you're 4 cm and 90% effaced--lets get you checked in!" That was it. She wanted me to meet her at the hospital and induce labor. About an hour later, I met Peter at the hospital (he had been at work) and we "got the show on the road". She broke my water at 1:30pm. The contractions were very irregular but increasing in pain. After 3 hours, she decided to start pitocin--ugh, I should have refused it. I don't think I would have needed an epidural had I not been given it (after all, my other two labors were drug-free, although I had to go under for the emergency C-section with Ez). But, alas, my hopes for a natural child birth were shattered at that moment. I was young--24. Anyway, they started the pitocin at 5 and I got the epidural a half-hour later. At six, my doctor came in and told me she was going home! She had been on call for 24 hours and now it was another doctor's turn. UGH. My optimal delivery was now turning into my worst fears. So, a doctor I never met in my life (and a man, I never wanted a man to deliver my baby) would deliver my first born son.

Jeremiah was born at 9:06pm, after 7 1/2 hours of labor and almost 2 hours of pushing. To avoid a C-section (because the evil doctor suggested it after an hour and a half), they used forceps and a vacuum. But, he was here. Early, but cute and perfect! He was 5 pounds, 9 ounces. 18 inches long. The sweetest little face. He made all I ever wished for come true. He made me a Mommy.

Thank you Jeremiah. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


(We didn't get a digital camera till 2004, so this is the "youngest" photo I have on the computer--he is 6 days old here.)

Our 7-year-old boy!