Sunday, August 10, 2008

How time flies

3 years ago I had quite the morning of anticipation. We got up and and drove to the hospital. I wasn't in labor or in any pain, but had an appointment for Tyler to be born. I think we got there at 10:00 but an emergency c-section pushed my time back so we just hung out and watched TV for a while. Spencer got into his scrubs, which he thought was pretty cool, and I was in my beautiful hospital gown. The nurse came in to put in my IV and I remember she had to try a few times because she claimed my veins kept collapsing. This was the point when I got really nervous. After plenty of time to get more scared, they wheeled me into the operating room. I remember they did the spinal and told me that I would instantly go numb and they would have to have several people there to carefully lower me down. Sure enough, it was pretty instant. After giving my body a few minutes to get good and numb, my two doctors were there, jovial and cracking lame jokes all around. Spencer wasn't allowed in until after the spinal, and once he got there, things were underway really fast. I think I started to hyperventilate.

I remember being completely surprised that I didn't feel the pain this time like I had just 18 months prior when Emma was born. I got almost giddy as I knew what they were doing, and knew what was about to come next. Sure enough, my doctor quickly pulled Tyler out and I had to be tortured for a full half hour while everyone got to look at him/hold him/ooo and ahhh over him, and I had to stay put and be put back together. Spencer finally got to hold him and brought him over so I could see. We were all so in awe of his red hair (and there was TONS of it) and his perfect looking face. It's a surreal feeling to see your child for the first time, outside of your body. I was glad I was feeling ok and was aware enough this time to take it all in. He was awake and so mellow - the last time for about a year he'd be so chill and calm. :)

We were soon wheeled to a "recovery" room and stayed there for a while. I remember the incredible itchiness I had over my whole body. I remember telling the nurse that even my eyelids were itching. Spencer made some phone calls and we enjoyed the bonding time. He was perfect so once I got to my suite, Spencer left for our house house to get his mom and Emma (I don't miss those days with just one car, by the way). What seemed like hours later - I think it actually WAS hours later - the three of them showed up, and I got to show Nana her hair-twin! I loved having Emma there to be a part of it even though I don't think she really understood what was happening. I was (and still am) so thankful for my doctors that day - I think I picked one of the best I had access to, and I essentially trusted him completely. Here's cute little Tyler a day or two old (being held by Nana).


Today at noon, Tyler turned 3. I keep thinking, What happened to my baby? I think in a way he will always be my baby - he's the one who loves to cuddle with me, be held by me, and just be with me. And now here he is, 34 pounds, still as red-headed as ever, and newly potty trained! He had a great weekend with his new bike and new presents, and all the attention in the world. He's such a sweet boy and we're so glad he's a part of our family! Happy Birthday Tyler!

Here is his cake (it took me 2 hours and I have swollen ankles so I hope he appreciates it!):


And Tyler's birthday layout.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cute! Man, you are so good at staying caught up with scrapbooking!

Braden said...

yeah...time does fly. i remember i was like 12 yesterday (or 5 years ago). i'm 6 months away from turning 18, weird huh?

little mrs w said...

aww golly, yeah I remember when he was born.

and I really like that cake! :] so cute.

Natalie N said...

Awww...Happy 3rd, Tyler! That newborn picture of his hair is killing me! I've never seen a baby with such long red hair. Unreal!!

Sounds like he a had a great day. I had in my mind that his bday was in September...but now I know. The cake turned out darling, by the way! I hope you kicked your feet up and made Spencer massage your ankles after that was over. You take care, girl!

Anonymous said...

Tell Tyler his favorite babysitter says happy belated birthday! I miss you guys a ton! I still remember the days when Tyler wouldn't talk and would scream the second you were out of sight . . . but I bet he's still a mama's boy even after 3 years ;)

Cheri said...

Crystal - We ALL miss our favorite babysitter. And yes, a mama's boy he still is, but now he likes when I leave and he gets to have a baby-sitter. The girl we use is "Kristen" and they still call her "Crystal." :)

Janene said...

looks like he had a fun day! I may have to copy that cake ... soon!

Jamie said...

I remember being at a ward bbq with you just days before you delivered that cute little fella--I can't believe that was 3 years ago. Time flies.

I have never craved smarties when I've been pregnant-pistachio ice cream though is a different story. When I had such a strong craving for that one night I went to the store picked up some ice cream and a pregnancy test and yep-I was pregnant. Its funny what this pregnancy stuff does to a person. If you're like me and pistachio ice cream you'll never want to look at it again after the baby comes.