Jackson Daniel Hoover

Five years ago today I gave birth to our first son, Jackson. It was such a hot Summer and I was miserable, I gained over 50lbs during the pregnancy! This is the entry I wrote in Jackson's journal about his birth...

9/24/03

Jackson,

I am so terrible! You are 1 month old today- You were born on August 24, 2003 at 8:12pm 8lbs 14oz 20 1/2 inches long. I have been meaning to write ever since but haven't, obviously! Anyway, your birth was quite an event, considering what we went through. The doctor was hoping I would go into labor but my cervix wasn't dilating at all. You were getting really big so he wanted me to come in the night before and he would put a catheter into my cervix. So we did and the next morning (the 24th) your dad and I checked into the hospital at 6:00am. I was dilated to a 3 (centimeters) then at about 9:00am they broke my water, that was crazy. The nurse said normally women have about 1/4 as much amniotic fluid as I had. By 11:00am your little head was trying to push through, but I was only dilated about 4cm maybe 4 1/2. I labored all day and at about 6:00pm I was still only dilated 4 1/2 cm. The doctor decided to do a c-section but it would still be a while before I went into surgery. Meanwhile my epidural wore off so I was feeling strong labor pains for about 1 1/2 hours. The anesthesiologist gave me more medicine (finally) and I went in at about 8:00pm. They started the c-section and I could feel a lot of pain. So the doctor gave me more pain meds but I could still feel it, so he gave me more, I could still feel it so he eventually gave me gas that knocked me out.

I heard you cry when they took you out and I asked what color your hair was. All they said was dark. It wasn't for a couple of hours that I actually saw and held you, because I couldn't even see straight when I woke up, I saw triple. I was so happy when I saw you, you were so cute. Your hair is so beautiful, lots of red hair just like Dad. We took you home on the 28th and things have just gotten better since. You are such a good baby. You are sleeping better and longer every night. I think you'll smile soon too.

I love you

Love, Mom

Jackson was a great baby from the start, immediately perfect at nursing and very content with life. He rarely cried and was a great sleeper! As all first time mothers have experienced, Jackson made me feel so happy, each time I held him I enjoyed it more than the time before. He was so special and made me feel so special to be able to be his mother on earth. I love Jackson more than words can say. I miss him so much and often think of what life would be with him here. Today I want to celebrate him being born into this world and into my life.
Happy Birthday Jackson, I love you!