It seems like just recently that I was hanging out with my mother and expecting you. We were just talking and laughing about various things, and dad was sitting there, not really paying attention to us. Grandma asked if I was having any pains, and I laughed and said no. Awhile later she asked again, and my reply was the same. You were not due for about another month, so I was not expecting her questions. This kept on for quite some time, and I was wondering why she had these questions. Finally, she told your dad that he should take me to the hospital. What???? I was not in any pain! Finally, she wore us both down, and we headed to Valley Baptist. I was wearing a beige maternity skirt and top and had on heels. The nurses were really surprised with me walking down the hallway with heels on. 😊😊 I think I wore heels every time I went to the hospital...
Once we got there,and I was examined, sure enough I was in labor. Later, when I asked grandma how she knew, she said I could see the contractions. I never felt them! I was in a bed waiting for Dr. Rodriquez, and heard him rushing down the hallway saying where is Mrs. Haynes, am I in time. As he passed my doorway, he glanced in and said, "Whew, I was afraid I would be too late." I am lying there thinking, but there is no pain.
At that point, I was taken into the delivery room. When Dr. Rodriquez came in he was really up tight. He asked me how I was feeling and why I had waited so long. My response, again, was I had no pain. He could not believe it.
Long story shortened, you were born about 30 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. You were amazing. You were laid on my chest for just a few minutes, and then whisked off to the nursery. Being about five or six weeks early, I think they wanted to check you out.
Once I was in my room, a nurse came in and told me you were fine, but a little on the small side. It never dawned on me that there could be a problem with this, because you were perfect. I slept that night and the next morning the nurse brought you into me. She placed you in my arms, and I was hooked! You were content to just be there. You never cried or whimpered. So, so peaceful.
They brought you into my room a couple times that day and once the next morning. The doctor came in and I was released, but you would have to stay because your weight had dropped below five pounds. I had to leave my baby girl in the hospital for eleven days. Dad and I would visit and look at you through the window, being told how well you were doing, but being able to hold you.
After eleven days, we were told you were weighing over five pounds, so you could go home! We wrapped you up and home we went! Up to this time, we had never heard you cry or whimper. My mother said, "Well, you will hear her now." You were home 2 weeks before you ever cried! Scared me nearly to death! I was so afraid I had done something wrong. I started crying...
You were never one to cry much. During the night I would hear you squirming, I would change your diaper and fix your bottle. During the day I would hold you a lot. Guess you had no reason to cry!!! I went back to work when you were about six months old. One evening, you began to cry some, so we took you for a ride. Worked like a charm! So, we started putting you into the stroller, and dad would push it with his foot when you got fussy. During the time dad was not at home, I would do it. You loved it!!!
You loved people! Your cute little smile would bring many to your side. You just naturally expected people to be kind and respond to your smile. But, one day, after moving to Brownsville, the postman was on the steps putting mail in the mailbox and you smiled up at him and said "Hi." He never said a word, and the look on your face, broke my heart...
Remember Link? The bratty boy who would pull your hair. So many memories of you growing up. Learning to ride your first bicycle. Having "coffee" with grandma Ila. Spending time with grandma Elsie and Aunt Annie. Being a big sister to Jamie. Asking why the baby cried? Being my big helper. Sitting on your bed as a senior saying, "I can't do this any more." When I asked what was wrong you said, "I just can't make all these A's." To which I said, "Then don't." Or the time I gave you the note to read on the bus. LOL Or your one and only trip to the emergency room!!! So much, in such a short period of time!
Where have the years gone? Time never stood still. Here you are grown with two marvelous children of your own and a grandson on the way. Guess I have blinked once too often. Never doubt you are loved and always have been. In fact, I love you MORE!!!
