Looking back on your birthday nearly a year ago it seems so long ago, but perhaps that is a sign of the weak memory you Mamma has.
Daddy and Mommy left for Frederick Memorial Hospital early. We were supposed to check in at 5:30 am. Gramma was meeting us there, but actually beat us there. Daddy took a few photos and videos of the morning. I was so excited to meet you. I was looking forward to it all and knowing a bit more what to expect with you compared to your sister Ellie.
After checkin they insisted I must be wheeled back to the maternity ward in a wheelchair. Mommy's thought was, I made it through 9 months, I can surely do the last 5 minutes walking, but they insisted!
We were quickly settled into a room and they started to hook Mommy up. We were scheduled for the first available OR at 7:30am. I wasn't exactly keen on the morning hours, but figured, I would take what they were giving. It all happened very quickly. I have some vague memories of walking into the OR and having to say bye to your Daddy. He was able to come in right before you were born, but I wanted him there while they settled me in with the anethesia. I had a few tears and Gramma took a few photos, and then the strong nurse held my hand and walked me into the OR. This is the most nerve racking part for Mommy, but it's worth it in the end.
We will skip through the gory details and Mommy's little trauma's and say we had a safe delivery. You were a big healthy boy and I was excited to hear you make your first noises. I laid on the table while they told me about you. Finally after a few minutes they let Daddy bring you over to snuggle me - face to face I got to meet you! You were crying and I wanted to hold and cuddle you and tell you everything was okay. I think you were a little unnerved about leaving mommy's tummy so abruptly. You and I talked while Daddy held you. I kissed you about as many times as I possibly could!
The anethesiologies took a few photos for us:
The mean Frederick hospital policy dictated, much to my protest, that you went with Daddy into the nursery for your first bath and I wasn't allowed to see you until later. That was the absolute longest hour or two of the day for me.
I was so happy when I finally got you back! At 9:19am on your birthday I finally got to hold my Baby Boy whom I had dreamed about since I could remember in my own arms! I love you so much Max!
You were such a good boy. When I held you, you were perfect. The doctors kept wanting to take you away for shots, observation, etc. I just wanted to keep my baby in my arms forever. You and I had been together for 10 months nearly and they weren't getting you away from me easy.
We spend most of the time in the hospital together. I kept you in bed with me most of the time - much to the dismay of Gramma and some of the nurses. You were my baby and I was going to keep you with me.
The morning was quiet and we prepared for your sister to join us after her nap. We decided to name you Max; Mommy really wanted this name becuase it has a strong meaning and I think it's a great manly name. Daddy agreed it was a good strong name too and that you looked like a little Max!
We were ready to introduce Max to his big sister Ellie! Ellie was so excited to meet you:
We then had our first family photo while Ellie visited. Perhaps we aren't all looking our finest, but it sure was a fine moment for Mommy and Daddy!
The first night went pretty well. We found our way. You were awake a lot at night and liked to sleep in the morning from about 6- 12 noon. It took mommy nearly a month to break you of this sleep cycle. That's okay, we made it through!
I enjoyed holding you and trying to teach you to nurse. We relaxed and settled in. Daddy stayed with us to help us becuase Mommy couldn't walk until the next day. It was a buys night with nurses in and out, but I was so happy to finally have my baby boy Max in my arms. Max, you are the dream I always had and meeting you was one of the best days of my life! I love you with all my heart and sole!
Happy almost first birthday big boy! I look forward to decades of fun life filled with love and watching you make your dreams come true! Mommy and Daddy will be here to help you whenever you need us. You are our baby boy now and forever!
