But seven years ago, in about 2 hours (head spinning yet?), I was in the hospital and dilated to a glorious 2 cm! So I got to claim my room in the Little Company of Mary Hospital and most importantly, get my EPIDURAL!! Once that was in place, I have to admit, it was a relatively easy delivery. And again, most importantly, pain-free. At 7:30 am, January 28, 2004, I finally got to hold my baby Jaden in my arms. For almost 72 hours, I was kept wide awake and on high alert, waiting for Jaden to make his way into the world. He proved that when he was ready, he made his safe and punctual arrival (right on his due date!) And boy, did he make his arrival known with the strongest set of lungs I had ever heard on a little human. He was absolutely worth all of it and more.
In many ways, Jaden's first 7 years have been just like his labor. His sensitivity and emotional temperament continue to keep me on high alert. He is, to this day, very vocal and not at all afraid to use his words. (Though they often get muffled in between his tears). When I need for him to listen, do something or get ready by a certain time, he is constantly dawdling and pretty much ignoring me. And just at that moment I am ready to turn myself in to Child Protective Services as a preventative measure, he goes and brushes his teeth AND makes his bed in the morning. Or he goes and holds his sister to comfort her (granted, after he made her cry). Or he reminds Steve and me that "You should be responsible for your things too" when we're halfway down the block and realize we forgot something so we have to turn back to the house.
Yup, absolutely worth all of it and more.
H A P P Y 7 T H B I R T H D A Y, J A D E N!
