Graduation?

Thanks for putting up with my nostalgic reflections this week. I have not been the emotional basketcase I thought I'd be, and it's probably because I've been taking time to express all of this. With that said, here we go again...

At this moment last year I was in Dr. Clark's office, finding out if my body was getting ready for labor. If I was dilated, I would go to the hospital the next morning. If I wasn't, I would be admitted that night to get the ball rolling. After the very unpleasant exam (that no one warned me about!) it was decided that I would be admitted that night. So Curt and I got in the car, called our parents, and went home to pack. We took some pictures of my tummy that afternoon, which no one will ever see but me. We got packed and cleaned the house. I vacuumed right before we walked out the door because I knew it would get those braxton hicks contractions going.

We pulled into the hospital parking lot with our hearts pounding. Can you even believe this? I knew that the next time I'd see the light of day I'd be walking to my car with a babe in arms. That walk into the hospital was something akin to walking down the aisle at my wedding. Except much less glamorous. But just as exciting and life-changing. We got checked in within minutes and were so happy at our good fortune to be arriving in time to watch Without a Trace as we waited for the excitment to start. Oh, how naive we were! There was not a moment's rest as nurses were in and out of that room nonstop until we left. The next few hours were an exercise in pain tolerance and in getting over my need for privacy.

Today is not much different from that day. It's just as beautiful and blue, although it's much cooler than that warm day last year. We've been cleaning the house and getting ready for company. Curt's mom and dad will be here any minute. We're joyful and excited about the next few days. I'm wondering what the next few months will hold for us. I really can't wait to find out what life is like with a toddler. And what it will be like to look in the back seat and see my kid facing forward! Finally!

Jackson and I have been out and about buying his birthday presents. I hate that he was with me, but what do you do. We got him a little red toddler chair and a lunch box for when he starts mother's day out. A sweet lady at the store told me he was so cute that I should have 10 more! Oh my! What an interesting (and short and to the point) blog I would have then!

So here's to the last day of my first year of being a mom. I guess I will graduate from being a rookie mom tomorrow. But then again, you're always a rookie with your firstborn. Jackson Jones, you have made your mommy's world brighter, faster, louder, funnier, sweeter, and more beautiful than it ever could have been without you. I love you so!