Tonight we had friends over for dinner. It was nothing fancy...just chili with the toppings, but it was a special night. We needed to see these friends TONIGHT because they are having their second baby girl on Thursday. I don't know if they remember or not, but they did the same with us just before I had the boys. I can't remember what we ate or the specifics of what we talked about, but I remember that when we left their house that night I was thinking how lucky we were to have friends that love us. I hope they felt that tonight when they left my house.... because we do love those two.
This time for my friend has been very different than the first time, from beginning to end. Instead of her watering breaking in the middle of the night, she will go to the hospital bright and early Thursday morning to be induced. So talking to her brought back so many feelings for me. There is a certain level of anxiety the comes with knowing when you will be going to the hospital to deliver. Did I pack underwear with no holes? Did I forget anybody on the "call" list? Are my toenails painted? Did I remember to tell Lee to water the pansies before we leave so that they will look good for the coming home pictures? Will "Hawaiian Orchid" pink match my nursing gown? These are the questions that were running through my head when I was where she is right now. Forget preparing to leave my job or making sure the bills were paid. Are you kidding? My mind was consumed with preparing myself for the birth and consequent stay at the hospital. I actually worked the Monday and Tuesday before I had the boys on Thursday, so I only had one day off before the big day. Good thing. Can you imagine the post-it note lists that could have accumulated if given one more day?
The funny thing is that when you are about to have your first baby (or babies as it were), those are the only things that you know to prepare for.
Not one minute before 1:09 pm on Thursday, February 23rd could I have prepared myself for the look on Lee's face when he saw that first baby out of my belly. Or the way my heart leapt when he left my side to check on them and hear that first cry. I never thought ahead to the recovery room, but I could never have prepared my heart to feel the way it did when my two brothers were the first faces I saw and we had time to be together just the three of us. I never thought ahead to what I would eat while I was there, but my Daddy did. He and Mama and Aunt Judy and Bruce cooked a three course meal and brought it to the hospital in coolers. I was so completely blown away by the entire thing....and you just can't prepare yourself.
I don't even think I wore underwear until the day I came home, so I really only needed one good pair. The call list was a bust. Called one person and then they called 10 so my whole list was useless. My toes did look good though...they just stayed that color until July. And the nursing gown? I ditched the gown and just wore the robe. Easier access.
Of course, my sweet friend is not a first time mom so her primary concern is for her other child and making sure that she is taken care of and feels a part of this. And I'm sure if we ever have another baby Tradd and Jackson will be who we spend time preparing and loving right up to the last minute. Funny how our focus changes huh? although I do need to ask Steph about her toes......
I love you Steph...can't wait to meet your little one.
You are AMAZING!! I love you... oh, by the way, Micky painted my toenails for me--"What's Dune?" is the color :-) I can't really see them, but I'm sure he did a great job!
ReplyDeleteYour such a great friend...and writer. I love reading your posts. Your almost as good as dooce!! :)
ReplyDeleteMisty,
ReplyDeleteStephanie and Micky are so blessed to have friends like you and Lee. Your whole circle of friends, really, is a great gift for them.
Take care and I'm sure I'll see you soon! Like in the next 24 to 48 hrs I'm SURE!! :-)
Wendy
Awwww, Misty...I loved reading this post!
ReplyDeleteHope to see you soon,
Leah