
Wow, to say time flies would be an understatement! My first born is turning fourteen today. It’s hard for me to think back to the day I had her. It seems ages ago. But I’ll give it a shot.
As I sit here typing, it’s just after 7 a.m. Caitlin was overdue as my due date was November 26. It was a Tuesday morning; I was nervous and excited at the same time. Because she was late, I was being induced. Being my first child, her father and I had decided we wanted to be surprised so we didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl. Either was fine with me of course, but in my heart of hearts, I wanted a little girl.
The nurses hooked me up to an IV and got the drip going that would start labor and bring my little one into the world. By 7 p.m. it was clear that things weren’t progressing well and we ultimately decided on a c-section. I won’t lie, I was bummed. They wheeled me into the operating room and shortly after, her father joined me. Now I have no idea why, but rather than giving me an epidural, thus allowing me to move a good portion of my body, they gave me a spinal so I could move only my head. Looking back, I can’t help but feel cheated because I couldn’t hold my newborn for several hours due to lack of bodily control.
Anyhow, I’ll never forget this. As they were operating, the Dr. asked me if I had names picked out. We did. If the baby was a boy, he would be Timothy, a girl would be Caitlin, obviously. So I’m there on the table and being pushed, pulled and generally turned inside out. Next thing I know I hear a baby crying and all I’m thinking is. “Would someone shut that kid up? I’m trying to have a baby here!!!” Then from somewhere behind the curtain I only sort of hear the Dr. say, “It’s a Caitlin!” My brain didn’t make the connection. Baby crying and “It’s a Caitlin” didn’t make any sense to me. I didn’t say anything, and her dad had to make me understand we had a baby girl. In my defense, I was young, drugged up and exhausted.
I had no idea what trials and tribulations that child would put me through. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s really hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that she’s 14 now. My little baby girl isn’t a little baby girl anymore. She’s a beautiful, outgoing, independent, stubborn, amazing young lady. She makes me as happy as she makes me completely nuts, but I love her and I wouldn’t trade her for all the riches in the world.
I love you Caitlin. I really do.