One year ago, June 23, 2007 was a Saturday. The Friday before, I had an appointment with my OB/Gyno who checked me as usual and said she thought Isaac would probably arrive the following week. As we left, she joked about me having him that weekend.
That evening, we all went to dinner and prepared for the next day, when we would be moving into our new apartment which had more room for the newbie. Adam was also selling his car to someone. We knew it was going to be a busy, long day and I personally wasn’t looking forward to it.
I got up a few times in the middle of the night to go pee, as I had done many, many times in the months prior. I got in bed after my last break and not 10 minutes later I had to go again. I laid there highly annoyed because it was about 4:30 AM. I verbally said “I JUST WENT!!!!” Grudgingly, I got up. Not half way into my stride, I realized this wasn’t a potty break, but rather my water breaking. It was time.
I grabbed my cell phone, called Andra and sat on the toilet.
“Hello?”
“Hey, what are you supposed to pack in your hospital bag?”
“What??? I can call you tomorrow and talk to you about it.”
“No. I have to go tonight, so I need to know what to pack.”
Of course I hadn’t packed a bag yet. He wasn’t due for another 3 weeks and the Dr. figured later that week was a possibility. Oops.
I wrapped myself in a towel and packed some things. Adam helped, in his daze. I called my parents at their hotel and let them know, so they came to our apartment and followed us to the hospital. I didn’t have any contractions until we actually got to the hospital and were waiting to be taken up to a room. They weren’t terrible as I recall, but they were more pronounced than the braxton hicks I had experienced for the last few months.
Up to the room and there we hung out for awhile. That part of the day is all a blur. I don’t remember what time anyone got there to see me, Beth, Amanda, Melanie, John… who all went to the hospital that day? I don’t remember!! I know I talked to Misti at some point and she decided she had to be there, so she headed to my part of Texas. I progressed naturally to 10 centimeters mostly normally. Then it was time to push. I had an epidural, which wore off a few times, so I got to feel it a bit, but by now I don’t even remember what it felt like. I do, however, remember how exhausting the pushes were. I think after the first couple of sets, I already felt depleted and I remember thinking how insane that was. I continued to push for about 2 hours, by the end of that time, I was sweet talking to Isaac telling him it was time to come out, but he didn’t budge. I don’t think he moved down at all during the entire time. I was napping between pushes, as I was just so empty of energy. Eventually, it was suggested that I we may need to do a C-section, so I agreed.
As I wheeled by the waiting room to the operating room, my Misti showed up to bid me farewell. I think she was crying, but I don’t really remember. I remember Beth saying something as I went by and I attempted to give a peace sign, but only one finger went up. It wasn’t the one you would think I would’ve given. Rather, I pointed at the lights. I realized that was happening, but again, I was tired and didn’t really care.
In the operating room, Adam said I passed out pretty quickly and was snoring. That doesn’t surprise me in the least, but I do remember waking up when my body was shaking around. Shortly after, I heard a squeaky little cry from the most perfect being I’ve ever known. My son, my purpose for being on this planet had finally arrived.
“9:34 PM”
That was the official time. I remember hearing them announce it.
They took him off to the side to do the measuring bits and such. He stopped crying after the first little squeak and didn’t make another noise. They had him over to the side for a few minutes and I laid there on the bed wishing I had x-ray vision and could see through the curtain that covered me to get a glimpse at the new being. Eventually they brought him over and all I could do was stare. Words failed me. I didn’t reach for him. I didn’t cry. He was there next to me and all I could do was stare at him.
So many more details of that day and that hospital stay, but these last paragraphs are all that matter. Isaac Douglas McWaters was born on a Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 9:34 PM. One year ago to the day. He will never know what he has done for me. I would’ve never known the depths of my emotion and devotion without him.
Happy Birthday, my son.