From Jake: When I look back at the births of my children, Noah and Chloe and Stacey's kids, Carter and Mackenzie, without a doubt, Mom had such a strong presence making lasting memories. Thinking way back to the first one with Mackenzie seven years ago, I remember meeting at the hospital as Stacey was induced in the morning. Mom seemed to be the one in charge and filling everyone else in with all the latest information as to how the labor was coming along constantly checking in with Stacey and relaying information back to the waiting room. If any of us left, we always knew who to call for the latest news. As the night grew later and later and the delivery was not looking like it would be happening soon, mom went to the hotel right across the street to try and get a room for us to get some rest while we waited. Mackenzie was born the next day and was welcomed by a huge crowd from both parents' family, which later moved to the bar across the street where we managed to drink all of their champagne they had in stock!
The next was Carter, his birth was simpler due to a scheduled C-section. But we were all there early waiting to see if the father would present himself to the waiting room in either a blue or red shirt to signal the gender. Carter was born in the morning, but when night time came around, Mike (the father) had to leave the hospital (and his wife and newborn son) to be home with Mackenzie. As always, Mom was still around and offered to stay overnight in the hospital with Stacey to help. And I am pretty sure it wasn't due to comfortable recliners you get to sleep in.
With Noah, Things were lightening up and the celebration started early as Mom and Stacey enjoy Coffee, Donuts, and Laughs as Amy and I were preparing to meet Noah.
But the one that sticks in my mind the most was the birth of Chloe, the 4th of the grand children but if you didn't know you would have thought it was her first. We went to the hospital early in the morning and had visitors throughout the day (again bringing snacks and starbucks) but it was starting to look like it wasn't going to happen that night so the crowds faded away as it got into the overnight hours. Chloe was born around 3 or 4 in the morning, and I swear it was as if Mom was waiting in the car (she may have been for all I know) because as soon as I sent out the text that she was born, only moments later, mom was knocking on the delivery room door to get a peek at the newest member of our family. In the middle of the night when everyone else was sleeping getting ready for work, there she was with a huge eager smile (and probably a large Diet Coke from circle K).
Thanks Mom for always sharing your kindness on purpose!
Jake
Thanks Jake for sharing this and for sharing my love of the perfect writing instrument. !
Love Sylvia