Sunday, June 12, 2011

Happy Birthday To Me

This morning, twenty four years ago, was the first happiest day of my life. 

Between 8 and 8:30am, my first child, Bryan, was born.  He was a 7lb 8oz baby boy with a full head of hair, dark brown eyes and a high bilirubin count.  He was jaundiced.   I saw him briefly after delivery but he was whisked away to the nursery and placed in a special bed under blue lights designed to reduce the level of bilirubin.  I did not see him again for eight hours.
 
 I was heavily sedated having undergone a Caesarian.  My husband assisted in delivery and my best friend, a nurse practitioner,  was there for moral support.  It was an agonizing day as I waited anxiously to hold my baby for the first time.  By the time 4pm rolled around, I was becoming hysterical, worrying about what might be wrong, despite assurances from the nurses this was "routine".  

When they finally put that little boy in my arms, I knew love I'd never felt before.  Nothing takes the place of carrying a child for nine months, delivering him or her, holding them the first time.  It was magic.  It was instantaneous.  I was bonded.  

Some new mothers have to get to know their baby.  Some are afraid because they haven't any experience.  Some take to it like a duck to water.  No matter.  If you love them, it's all good.
 



Family Photos Easter 2005 
the year Bryan left for college
Bryan, his father & brother January 2011
 
My son is now twenty four years old, a college graduate, living in the West, beginning a new chapter in his life; trying to find a real job, pay off school loans and make his way.  He's smart, he's funny, he's unbelievably cheerful and a very fine athlete.  I didn't know what to expect the day he was born but I could not ask for more. 
 
Children's birthdays are a time for celebration...by their mothers and fathers.  So, happy birthday to me!


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20 comments:

Brian Miller said...

big smiles. happy birthday to your sonand to you...all those things you said about him i am sure you had a hand in...smiles.

Tanna said...

Happy Birthday to you, dear CG! I couldn't agree more! Well said. Happy Birthday to Bryan, too!

I'm still enjoying the two little guys from a generation more down the line. It is a love that can only be understood through experience... children change us in inexpicable ways... wonderful ways. blessings ~ tanna

North County Film Club said...

What a nice ode to motherhood!
And the birthday boy and the other two men in your life are gorgeous!
Barbara

#1Nana said...

If you think you know love now, just wait until you have a grandchild!

Happy Birthday to Bryan and congratulations to you for a job well done.

tony said...

Congratulations & Celebrations! Enjoy The Day.

Betsy Brock said...

Awww...happy celebrating to all of you! I agree..there's nothing in the world like laying your eyes on your baby for the first time. And look at you there, gorgeous! The three men are quite handsome, too!

Pat Tillett said...

A great post! It's an amazing experience, that's for sure. (glad I didn't have actually give birth myself!). Thanks for sharing the family photos also!
Happy Birthday...

Grandmother Mary said...

Literally- a birth day! Happiness to you both. It changes our lives, doesn't it?

mouse (aka kimy) said...

happy birthday to all of you!! they are indeed a family affair!

and indeed we never know what to expect - and must be open to all that may come.

what handsome men you have! it sounds as if bryan is a joy and a credit to his loving parents.

Ruth said...

Happy Birthday to you! and to Bryan. :-) Beautiful you, and your boys too (that includes your husband). My son had jaundice too, and it was scary. Nothing worse than them poking his little heel for blood within a few hours of birth, inflicting pain so soon after arriving. :(

I'm so glad it all turned out all right for both of them.

ratatouille's archives said...

Hi! C.G...
Congratulation! to you, as their mother and your husband, as your sons, father...I can read the "urgency " you must have felt as you, worried about your newborn baby [Bryan] too!

It's obvious that everything turned out alright!

I have to agree with Betsy, what a handsome group Of men and what a very lovely mother.
Thanks, for sharing!
deedee ;-D

Christine said...

That is one good looking family you have, many blessings to you and your men today.

The Silver Fox said...

Congratulations to all of you!

DJan said...

Happy birthday to YOU! And him! And not to mention he's really a hunk, isn't he? Of course you would say yes...

Deborah said...

Lucky Mom, lucky boy! Happy birthday to a young man who embodies hope for the future.

California Girl said...

To All: Thank you for the lovely sentiments. I didn't expect the response. I just wrote from the heart yesterday. Maybe I should do that more often! :)

I feel like you are my friends, pen pals of a sort. It's really wonderful.

Baino said...

Happy birthday to you all indeed. I know the feeling well and how time flies. Adam was a blue light baby as well but the wait was worth it. Can't believe we both have 24 year olds, it seems like yesterday, it really does.

Unknown said...

Happy (belated) birthday to you, and to the rest of the family. You brought up something interesting, though you wrote from the heart. It's great that you and your hubby get on so well with your sons now they're adults!

There are plenty of parents who loved their babies, but are estranged from them in their adulthood. I see myself as very fortunate to have a good connection with my "kids."

Bill Lisleman said...

good thing I remembered you had two blogs. Your comment today had me check your post but I went to the more political one and was a little confused but that happens.
That bonding is very special but unfortunately it is not a 100% sure thing. I know a few examples. Congrats on your son's success. all the best.

gayle said...

Happy Birthday to your son! Love is a wonderful thing!