Dear Etrain

Dear Etrain,

I just got a new computer and I had to transfer all my documents, music and photos over from the old computer. While doing this, there was one folder I had to make sure was in there, and it was the folder containing photos from when you were born - specifically the ones your Auntie Ansley took of us. Your dad and I took photos of course, but her's were so much better. I was looking through the photos last night and it reminded me of the days leading up to your arrival.

During the last week of my pregnancy I had gone in for my weekly check up with the doctor, Dr. Audell. She told me I had too much amniotic fluid in my belly and it would be better for you if they induced labor. The day she wanted to do it was when she was on call that Saturday, which also happened to be December 13, 2014. While I wasn't super excited about being induced, I was thrilled that my doctor would deliver you and your birth date could potentially be 12/13/14. How cool would that have been?

To prep me for labor, they had me go in on the 12th to give me some medicine that gave me minor contractions. I went in twice that day, and that night I was up most of the night with those contractions. They didn't hurt very bad, but since I'd never been in labor before I wasn't sure if it was the real deal or not. When I called the doctor to ask if I needed to go to the hospital, and they said the contractions would be so intense I'd know for sure so I just went to bed.

The next day was the day, 12/13/14. We got to the hospital around 7 am and they put us in the holding room with 3 other beds. Apparently it had been a full moon the night before and a bunch of women had gone into labor that night, which meant they didn't have a private room to put us in. It wasn't until around 1 pm when they finally found us a room, but it was worth the wait. It was in the corner of the building and it was huge. This also meant it was time to increase the medicine to speed up my labor.

Ethan, I'm not going to lie. I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. It wasn't long before the contractions were so strong I needed medicine to help with the pain, and boy did it help. I rested for a long while then around 9:30 pm they said, "one more hour and you're going to push". My medicine was wearing off so I had them give me more. Then it was time.

My legs were complete jelly when I started pushing. The medicine made me numb and it was great. I felt very confident I could deliver you no problem. Then the medicine started to wear off. Uh oh. I felt everything and wow did it hurt (like I said, I'm a wimp). So, pushing took a little longer than expected and we passed midnight. You were destined to be a 12/14/14 baby. Your dad probably remembers way more detail about the actual delivery than I do, but when I do remember was how adorable you were and how I was instantly in love when you came out - at 12:57am.

Call us mean or insensitive if you like, but your dad and I think of it as realistic. We were completely ready for you to be a funny looking newborn. Most newborn babies are. Their heads and faces are sometimes mushed from delivery and they look a little silly. Not you. Now don't let this go to your head, but you were prefect. Maybe it's the Mama in me, but I think anyone would say you were a beautiful little baby boy. All eight pounds and eight ounces of you. Regardless of what you looked like, I was instantly in love. Your dad and I were so excited you were finally here, you were healthy, and you were ours.

The next couple days you had plenty of visitors. Your Grandma and Grandpa North and your Nana and Papa Vigil of course came to see their sweet new grandson. Uncle Shawn, Auntie Carrie and Trevor visited you. Also, Auntie Allison and Auntie Ansley wanted to meet you too. Your dad and I were so happy to show you off to everyone. There were tons of texts and social media posts about you with everyone saying congratulations. Although we were tired, it was such an exciting time.

I can't believe it's almost been a year since 12/14/14. Where did the time go? I have to say, while I'm excited to see you grow up each day, it makes me sad you soon won't be a little baby anymore. Before I know it you're going to be walking, and talking, then going to school, then getting married and having babies of your own. I can't even write this without getting teary eyed. I love you more than you'll ever know and you'll always be my sweet little baby boy.

Love,
Mama

P.S. How cute are these footprints...done right after you were born.