Counting For Caleb {8}

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 24, Janey called to inform us that she was in active labor.  We secured childcare and rushed to the hospital where we focused on supporting her through the intense contractions.  After spending a few hours attempting to rest in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, Janey texted informing us that it was getting close.  Her water had been broken, and pitocin had been administered hours in advance.

The next hour seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.  The teeny tiny room went from Janey and I having a quiet intimate conversation to a room absolutely overflowing with equipment, nurses, doctors, and students.  Amidst the chaos, Janey managed to get the attention of the hospital staff and demand that they clear a spot for me beside her.  Holding her shivering hand, I anxiously watched in amazement as Caleb made his way into this world, my heart, and my arms.  The opportunity to cut the umbilical cord was given to me, and Janey insisted that we immediately snuggle skin to skin in order to jump start the bonding process.

The entire experience was a beautiful gift.

While Scott and I were falling head over heels in love with this precious new baby, she was a quiet selfless observer.

When I gently placed him on my skin-exposed chest, she watched.
When I whispered sweet words of introduction, she watched.
When I kissed his rosy plump cheeks for the first time, she watched.
When I introduced him to his daddy, she watched.
When I asked questions about his health, she listened intently.
When I fed him for the first time, she watched.
When I expressed how perfect he was, she nodded in agreement.
When I leaned over and commented that he looked like her, she smiled.

When a piece of me was born, a piece of her died.

True love.

Name: Caleb Jesse
Date and Time: June 24, 2016 at 9:50 a.m.
Weight: 6 pounds and 11 ounces
Length: 18.5 inches
Place: Mercy Jefferson