To Thomas, my second baby, I am grateful that I’m writing down your birth story, and I hope you get to read it one day. Maybe I’ll write down your brother’s birth story one day too, since I remember it as well as I remember yours. But, this is about you, my little love. This story is one of surprises, excitement, and silliness, as you will come to expect from your mama.
I tried for four months to get pregnant for you. While your brother was easily conceived, you took a little more effort. Every month, I would be so disappointed to take yet another negative pregnancy test. You see, we really, really wanted you. And then on December 4, 2015, I woke up earlier than normal to use the bathroom. Half asleep, I grabbed a pregnancy test from under the sink and took it, confused why there weren’t any lines showing up at all – I was so tired, I didn’t realize I grabbed a digital test. After almost giving up on what I thought was a faulty test, that word appeared. Pregnant.
Shock quickly turned to excitement and I couldn’t wait to tell your daddy. And when I told him a few minutes later, he was “nervous” — Daddy’s words, not mine.
I told your Nini first by testing her a picture of the test. She was so excited that you were on your way. She told your Pop, Uncle Greg, and Uncle Nick. To tell your Mere, Pere, Nanny, Uncle Justin, Luke, Gram, and Poppie, we had a shirt made for your big brother that said, “Promoted by Santa to Big Brother in August 2016.” Everyone was excited to meet you, but they would have to wait a little longer.
For the next 9 months, I took care of you. I fed you yummy food, drank lots of water for you, and I continued my yoga practice. As you grew, my belly got bigger, making it harder and harder for me to breathe, walk, and sleep. In July, I started feeling contractions, the little signs that you were almost ready to come out. I needed to take it easy so you could grow just a little bit more. But, your mama doesn’t take things easy!
On July 28, your Nina (Mrs. Liz) and Maw Maw Marta threw us a little party with cake and presents for you. I opened them, of course, because you weren’t here yet. Your Rae Rae made a yummy cake for us, and you really liked it. My favorite part of our party was the yummy apple and cream cheese dip Maw Maw Marta made and the sweet little candle favors from your Nina. It was a wonderful day surrounded by all the people we love and who love us.
But after our party, I was ready for you to come out. I wanted to meet you so badly, and I was very tired. It’s very hot in the summer where we live, and Mommy was having a very hard time keeping cool and relaxed. On Tuesday, August 2, Mommy had a Doctor’s appointment to check up on you. I took my suitcase with me, hoping I would be go to the hospital to have you that day. But no, the Doctor said it just wasn’t time and to go home and rest. Rest? Nope, your mommy went to work at her dance studio until 9:00pm and then to the store to buy some last minute things for Big Brother. I suddenly had a TON of energy! Your Nina said that was it, that you would be here soon. Your Nina has some kind of sense for these things.
That night, I still had a strong feeling you were coming. I was so excited and it was hard to sleep, but I made myself lay down at about 12:00am on August 3, hoping that I would get some rest. At about 12:30, right as I closed my eyes, my water broke in bed, meaning it was time to go to the hospital. I threw on a dress, wrapped myself up in a towel, and your Daddy and I drove to finally meet you!
It didn’t take very long for you to come. You were and always have been a very easy and agreeable baby. Mommy only had to try four times and you came right out at 4:48am. Your Daddy, Nini, and Pop were there in the hospital room, along with Dr. Sullivan and two amazing nurses. You were hungry right away, and mommy got to feed you while the nurses cleaned you up. Then your Nina and Rae Rae came in to hold you before they had to go to work. You are so loved that your Godmothers woke up early and came to the hospital before they had to work for a full day!
We spent the night in the hospital together, just you and me. It was wonderful being there with you, learning your expressions and how you snuggle so perfectly in my arms. You looked exactly like your big brother! I just couldn’t believe that God blessed me with two little guys to love.
Thomas, my baby. God blessed us so very much when he sent you to be ours. You are happy more often than not, and that big gummy smile has been warming our hearts for 6 months now. You gave me an easy pregnancy, and an even easier delivery. I can’t wait to see where this life leads you, but know that I will be here every step of the way. I love you so much little guy.
