Six years ago today . . . Part IV

June 25th, 2005 was a day I will never forget. It was the day God blessed me with a wonderful gift - one for which I cannot thank Him enough.

The morning started out with a nurse coming in at 8:30 with pitocin. She hooked me up and said, "now, you're officially in labor." I was so excited and, I have to admit, quite nervous. I remember getting to watch a TV show I used to love when I was little - The Monkees. I remember trying to watch the show and make sense of the silliness, but was too excited about the thought that by the end of the day, I will be a mommy!

My mind kept flashing back to when I found out I was pregnant. I remember being at work and getting the phone call from the nurse - all I could say was, "are you serious?!? Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!!!" I scared my friends who were there because I couldn't talk - and I wanted my husband to know before I said a word to anyone else.

I remembered telling my husband . . . I remember telling my mom and crying because I was so scared and I remembered how close I felt to her that day. I remembered not being a very efficient employee the rest of the day. =0) I also remembered telling just about everyone I came into contact with. I was so very excited - just like I was this day. God was blessing me with someone I had wanted so much, someone He promised I would meet one day.

After the pitocin was started, the day seemed to fly by. Every so often, the nurse would come in and increase the pitocin to try and bring me into "active labor." Finally, by about 2 pm (I lost all track of time at some point), active labor began. The nurse had just come in to increase the dosage, and within seconds of that increase I felt like I wanted to run a marathon just to get away from the pain! =0)

The nurse, knowing I was trying to keep things natural - no meds - was trying to have pity on me and kept sneaking in to take me on walks in the bathroom (I wasn't supposed to be off bed rest or off my left side yet). Some moms say that they forget the pain . . . I still remember. =0)

Anyway, I remember thinking that I just couldn't keep going through the pain and I REALLY wanted those drugs! The nurse kept reminding me that it was alright and to just keep breathing. Everything I learned in the birthing classes disappeared and I felt like I was going blindly into labor. Between no sleep the night before and the contractions I was having every two minutes, I was exhausted and began to fall asleep in between contractions.

Then, around 3:30, the doctor said that it was time to meet my baby boy. Three hours later, I met him. At 6:23 pm (about 10 hours after I received the first doses of pitocin), Isaiah Christopher was born at a healthy 10 lbs. 3 oz. and 23 1/2 inches long (my 2-month old newborn). =0)

His little cry was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard and even though I had planned on waiting to give him his very first kiss (you know, until after he had his first bath), I couldn't help but kiss his beautiful forehead. I was in love - even more than I had been while I was pregnant. There was the baby I had wanted so very much - the baby I had prayed to meet since the day I found out I may not have children. He was perfect. All the pain and the waiting were worth it.

God's timing was perfect. His promise and gift were perfect.

Six years later, I am still in amazement at all God has done through my little guy. He has brought us through some really rough times and I know that He will continue to do so. Even in the midst of Isaiah's health issues and the frustration (and joy) of Autism, God is doing amazing things through Isaiah. Isaiah is still the fulfillment of God's perfect promise and gift.

Isaiah, I am so proud and thankful to be your mommy. You are truly an amazing little guy - you're my hero. You have helped me learn things that I don't think I would have learned without you - you helped me learn to be strong, to be more reliant on God, and how to pray continually. While life may be difficult for you at times, you continue to smile and laugh. I just love that about you. I also love how witty you can be and your goofy sense of humor. You are my sunshine on days when I need a smile (I can always count on you for a good smile and laugh) and you give the best hugs of anyone I know. Your amazing memory still astounds me as does your bravery. =0)

Happy 6th birthday, baby boy, with many more to come! I love you, Schtinker!