So the 2nd of 5 will celebrate her 7th trip around the sun tomorrow. Around each of the kid's birthdays I rapidly decompose into the sappy mom. Although we had a very busy couple of years having baby after baby, I remember the day before they were born and the day of their birth with a kind of clarity reserved for only the most special of memories.
My pregnancy with IE Ree was pretty mundane. Yes, we moved almost 4000 miles over the course of 10 weeks, we uprooted ourselves in search of something new and in the end we ended up back at the foothills of the Sierras. The only real poignant thing about that pregnancy was a potential for birth complications which turned out to be a false alarm. She was simply taking her time and letting us get to a good place before arriving, which would be foretelling of her personality. Always willing to be patient and wait for others to catch up.
The day she came was a pretty ordinary Monday. The VIT was at home, baby B was being her usual sassy self but I woke up really early thinking that today might be the day. I should have known because shortly after waking, I desperately needed a nap. I laid back down and slept so deeply for about 5 hours. When I woke up I knew I was definitely in labor. We waited for the VIT's mom to get to us to watch baby B. In true Jeri fashion I knew our rent was due and calmly wrote out a check and we dropped if off on our way to the hospital which was about a 30 min drive from our home. Our landlord and friend thought I was nuts but I had to know it was taken care of. IE would be born at a small (when I say small I mean, we were the only people in the hospital for over 2 days) local district hospital. The staff was wonderful.
I was terrified because my first birth experience included complications with anesthesia. This time around it would be flawless. As the sun set through the beautiful aspens our sweet IE Ree would be born. She was 40 weeks and 1 day. She gave a teeny cry/grunt and that was it. She was wide-eyed and quickly nestled into me. It was one of the most healing experiences of my life. Her shock of jet black hair and olive skin with the most curious blue-grey eyes were one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. She was here, she was perfect, and she was whom we've grown to know from the very minute she came.
IE Ree, you are my little sweet love. You continue to express all the emotions with a raw beauty and honesty that few can honestly and unabashedly feel. It's a gift, never lose it or let anyone change that. You are both kind and now, just coming into some feisty-ness that gives me irritation but also reminds me of the long-lineage from where you spring from. You always put others needs and feelings above your own. You ultimately want others to be happy. It makes my heart glad to see you finding your own voice. I love you so intensely, not more, just differently. You are the goodness I see in the world.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday. We love you so much. Keep being you little love. Know that we will always be here. Always your point B. I can't always keep you from hurt or disappointment but I'll always be there with some soft tissues and loads of love. Be wild every once in awhile, it's good for your soul. Love you to bits. Happiest of birthdays!
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