GOODBYE 13 !!
Are you really another year older today?
It seems like yesterday, I was waddling around with a 14 month old anticipating your arrival.
Would I have enough love for both of you?
Could I share myself with two babies?
Being an only child, I have no idea how the whole "sibling" thing worked. And a boy? What would I do with a boy? I didn't know anything about boys...
I remember the day I found out you were a boy.
Because of my health issues, I had ultrasounds once a month. Every month, the tech swore fives ways to Sunday you were a girl. Every time.
Then, at 8 and a half months- a new tech announced "Congratulations! It's a boy!"
I was stunned.
I cried all the way home.
When I called your dad to tell him, he was elated, but could hear the fear in my voice. I knew nothing about raising a boy.
I felt like a complete and utter failure as a mommy for feeling that way.
Funny thing, though, I should have known you were a boy.
With Kati, we could only think of girl's names. With you, only boys.
Jonathan.
I loved that name. always.
I knew that it was a special name, meant just for you.
When I Was a couple of weeks away from having you, a dear friend was murdered in his driveway. A robbery. He left behind a legacy of faith in his wife and two sons.
And that is how you got your middle name. To honor his memory.
Michael.
The night before you were due by c-section, I felt sick to my stomach. I was thought they would surely skip the surgery and make me wait. I was sooooo ready to be done. I wanted to meet you. Hold you. Get to know you.
The morning of the surgery, we packed up and went to the hospital. after being hooked up to the monitors, the nurse announced I was in labor... Funny. I didn't feel a thing. Not a twinge, a pain. Nothing.
What she didn't tell us, was that I was in "pushing labor". Had I not been scheduled that day, the doctors were convinced I would have just dropped you at home. Without warning.
Wow. There's a thought.
We didn't realize you were crowning until it was too late. So, one doctor had to push you back up and in, while the other pulled you out through the incision in my belly. They said it was a first.
At that moment, I knew you would do things on your own time, ahead of the curve. And you haven't disappointed.
You've walked at 4 months, crawled at 5 months and ran at 7 months. You never "walked".
When you started speaking sentences at 17 months, we knew we were in for a ride.
You've been full of questions since that day. Always curious, always learning.
Talking is like breathing. Without it, you wouldn't survive. I truly believe God gave you more words, and you're determined to use them up. Every day. Without fail.
I love that about you.
I've learned so much watching and listening to you.
Your plans to join the Air Force worry me, but I'm proud. You follow in the footsteps of your grandfathers, and your daddy. Your desire to be a doctor, and help others, makes me proud.
I'm excited to see how you do in JrROTC next year. Excited to see you grow, become a leader.
But, I also celebrate that you still run to make sure I have a huge hug before I leave anywhere, or go to bed at night. That you hold my hand when we walk through a parking lot. That you open doors for people. And say "thank you".
You name means "Jehovah's Gift".
Truly, you are a gift to our family.
Happy 14th Birthday, Baby.
Thanks for being my boy.
HELLO 14!
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