

...... we were in the hospital, just getting acquainted. (Please pretend you don't see my double chin in that picture -k?) I can't hardly stand that you are growing up so fast, too fast. You are, and will probably always be, my baby and you are truly such a blessing to us all.
Here is a look back at your birth story. I did some digging and found what I wrote in my journal shortly after your arrival. Here goes : (edited slightly for entertainment value)
I was VERY nervous about having a second baby. I just remembered how overwhelmed I felt after Chase was born, and how much work it was. How was I possibly going to take care of an infant and keep Chase entertained and out of trouble at the same time? In my mind, these are two full-time jobs and it didn't seem fathomable that I could do them both at the same time.
The night before I was scheduled to go in for delivery, I was excited, nervous and even a bit sad. I was feeling nostalgic for our little family of three. I watched Chase as he was getting ready for bed and felt pity for him. His whole entire world was going to be turned upside down. I couldn't stop the tears from leaking out as I hugged and kissed him goodnight.
He asked, “What’s wrong, Mommy??”
“Mommy is just going to miss you, that's all.”
And it is true, I was going to miss him and not just for the four days that I would be hospitalized. I knew that our relationship would be forever changed and I couldn't help but already miss the way things used to be. I reminded myself that millions of kids around the world have survived the arrival of a sibling, and most are probably even better off for it!
I tried to force myself to sleep, knowing that solid sleep would be a luxury for the next couple months. The funny thing about trying to force yourself to sleep though is that it never works. My mind was too busy flitting, flying, worrying, stewing, imagining, and wondering to settle into any sort of deep sleep.
I jumped out of bed when the alarm went off (again, I was nowhere near sleep) and was ready to face this exciting and wonderful day. I would finally be meeting my little guy, face to face. We already intimately knew each other, but I can't wait to meet him and SEE him! And I also can't wait for the kicking, jabbing and heartburn to stop!
I just remember that I couldn't stop gushing about how much better this whole process was the second time around. With a scheduled c-section planned, we went in 6 days before my due date (YAHOOOO) checked in at 8:30 and had you swaddled and in our arms less than two hours later. The delivery went smoothly, well.... it went smoothly after they finally got the epidural in, yikes! That was the hardest part about the whole experience. They wheeled me into the deliver room and Daddy sat up by me and held my hand and had the biggest smile on his face while the doctors worked their magic. Finally, after lots of tugging and pulling I heard a cry! The sweetest sound a mommy can hear. And I remember them commenting on how BIG you were. (9 lb, 9 oz.) They assured me that you were healthy and breathing and doing just fine. The nurses whisked you off to get all cleaned up while they fixed me up, but first brought you by for a quick kiss and nuzzle from Mom. I was giddy and happy and totally unphased by the whole stomach getting cut open thing! I was in such a good mood and couldn't wait to get my hands on you. While I was resting in recovery, Daddy kept darting back and forth, from me to you, from you to me, keeping me updated on your progress. Finally, after what seems like FOREVER, they brought you to me and from that moment, when I laid eyes on you, I was in love. You were such a precious little thing. I held you and nursed you and couldn't take my eyes off you.
I have to include my notes from your first meeting with your brother. It was such a memorable experience!
After a few hours of bonding, Daddy went home to get Chase so he could bring him to meet you. Chase was obviously really anxious to meet his new baby brother. I was just hoping that he wouldn't be crushed that we didn't name you “Bucky Truck” which is what he had been telling everyone for the past three months that we were going to name OUR baby. When Chase and Daddy arrive, I notice that Chase has a huge wet spot on the front of his pants. Chase had an accident on the ride over. So, the big introduction I had imagined gets lost in the shuffle of everyone trying to figure out how they are going to get Chase's pants dry.
Chase suddenly remembers the whole purpose to the trip and walks over to my hospital bed. He peeks up to get his first look at you. I tip you towards him a little to give him a better angel. His curiosity is peeked now, and he wants an even better look. So he starts climbing up to say hello and I couldn’t help but scream “NO!” and shove him off. I didn’t want my half naked three year old climbing on me; I had JUST had a c-section and he was covered in pee. Instantly, I could see the hurt on his little face. “Don’t push him away,” my husband calls out from the bathroom. They were all trying to use the hand dryer on his wet pants. At that moment, I understood that my motherly duties would forever be divided. I wanted to jump off the bed and hug Chase, apologize to him, and calmly explain that he couldn’t climb on mommy right now. But, I also wanted to protect my fresh, new little bundle from his germy big brother. Poor Chase! Once things settled down and he got cleaned up. He did get to hold you for the first time and he beamed with pride and excitement.
We were all very excited, and still are to have you in our life. Happy 2nd Birthday Buddy!!