HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Henry John, III turns six today at 11:15 am.

I was exactly 36 weeks pregnant and went to work on a Tuesday morning. When Hank came to see me at work that day, I remember telling him that I felt like something was gonna happen soon. I just felt restless that day. I remember hugging him and just feeling so vulnerable in the office.

At lunch that day, I went to the Dollar Store and stocked up on snacks, paper plate, cups, and stuff for when Tres came and our house would be full of company. While I was at the Dollar Store, I heard a pop... but ignored it cause I needed to get back to work.

I got home from work around 5:00 and went to the bathroom. I remember sitting there going over what all I needed to get done, and then it dawned on me that my body wasn't stopping... I instantly became alert and grabbed the phone.

I first called Hank. He told me to call the nurse.
Well, what did he know, after all? So I called Traci.. I asked her what she thought, and she said to call the doctor. I still wasn't convinced... I mean, after all, this was my first pregnancy and Traci didn't have kids yet either... so I called my Mom. Here's how that conversation went:

Jamie: Hey, Mom?
Mom: Hey, baby.
Jamie: What's it like when your water breaks?
Mom: WHAT?!?!?!
Jamie: I mean, I think I'm just wetting my pants or something, but I don't know.
Mom: JAMIE!!! CALL THE DOCTOR!! THEN CALL ME BACK.

Well, still not convinced, I called Hank and told him I still had the same problem. He instantly told his boss he had to go home.

So, I decided I better call the doctor then. They told me to come straight in. While I waited for Hank, I got in the shower and washed my hair, then checked my hospital bag and sat in the nursery waiting.

Hank got home, a bundle of nerves. We hopped into the car (hopped in a relative term when you are that pregnant), and headed downtown. On the way, I vividly remember looking at Hank and saying, "When they tell me I went my pants, you are taking me to Outback!"

We got to the hospital and they tested immediately and sure enought my water had broken. They monitored me overnight and started me on pitocen at 6 am in the morning since my contractions didn't regulate.

My 10 am, I was 8 cm and our entire family was gathered in the waiting room. By 11:15 Tres was here... all 5 lbs, 14 oz and 18" of him! He came out with an old man combover hair do! He instantly stole my heart and simultaneously made us a family.

I love my little man. I can't believe it was 6 years ago... I feel like it just happened.