We’ve all had those moments, those special memories frozen in time in our minds. Our first kiss, our first love, engagements, weddings, the birth of our children….memories that are so special never to be forgotten. These past couple weeks have been full of those magical moments.
Joe & I hosted a family party to celebrate my brother Joe’s visit to Michigan. Little did we know that this was the last large family gathering where Jess would still be growing the twins inside in lieu of outside once they were born. My brother Joe is the eldest, and it is always wonderful to have him home to visit from Scottsdale, AZ. Our Niki and he have a unique bond, as well as my husband Joe with years of reciprocal taunting between the two. I was lucky enough to enjoy a round of golf with both “Joe’s” and had the family over for a BBQ to all enjoy time together. These are the times, when we are all together, that I feel complete. All of us together, enjoying each other’s company in a free, relaxed, no judgement zone. I’ve always felt we had a special bond between the 5 of us siblings, and hopefully have passed on that level of love and connection to our children. And as I enjoyed the evening with family, soon to be 4 generations strong, I made a mental picture of all that I am grateful for.
On the early morning of August 15th I walked into the lobby of Mott Children’s Hospital to see the faces of Christopher and Jessica. It brought tears to my eyes. I recall vividly my Dad’s face when he came over in the early morning hours to watch Christopher, as I left for the hospital while I was in labor with Niki. So much love radiated off of him and I can still feel his hug. Now I know what was in his heart that morning. As I looked at our son’s face on the precipice of becoming a Dad himself and Jessica glowing from within, my heart was so full of love, pride, fear and joy. Our babies having babies….
Chris and Jess checked in, with me tagging along promising to be on my best behavior! It was Jess’s wish that I accompany them into the Operating Room during the C-Section. I was on board 200% we just needed to get the approval by the Team scheduled for that day. As we awaited the time for surgery, Jess found herself becoming more calm and in the zone. The babies heart rates looked great on the monitor, and as always Chris was there for Jess in any way she needed. It was incredibly comforting to me that the twins were going to be delivered here, Mott Children’s, and I felt confident in the Team. And 4 1/2 hours after we arrived they took Jess back to the OR and told us they would come back to get us in 20 minutes once she was situated. Chris started pacing and staring at the clock at the 20 minute mark, then at the 30 minute mark, then at the 45 minute mark…..and after about an hour the Team came to lead us into the OR in the nick of time before Chris wore a permanent path into the floor.
Christopher was placed in a chair directly next to Jessica’s face. She smiled and he reached over and asked how she was doing. I initially stood a little behind, but slowly worked my way to the part of the room facing the bottom of the table so I could see the girls being born. The three of us had discussed our roles before hand. Chris was to focus on Jess and I was to focus on the girls….if the girls needed any extra support and we were headed out of the OR to the NEST, then I would accompany the girls.
And then, that magical moment – seeing Ellie Michaela brought into this world all wiggles and cries. A few minutes later Emma Rochelle was born, even more vigorous than Ellie – small but mighty – with cries that nearly drowned out her sisters. Pure joy, relief and love flooded my heart.
The girls were shown to Jess & Chris, brought to the warmer to be dried and weighed, then swaddled and placed into Chris’ arms which allowed Jess the opportunity to see and kiss the girls. Magical moments for them now….that first kiss on your babies face, the first moment holding them in your arms, the look of love on your spouses face that says it all. They were now a Mom & Dad and they both looked so excited and ready for the challenge.
Jess was taken back to the recovery and since only 2 people were allowed in the room we rotated family in and out, with my bringing Jess’ Mom up for the first visit. Maria’s face when she saw me coming to bring her upstairs was filled with concern, but after hearing Jessica and the girls were all doing great it filled with elation. Once the new family was settled into their room – Abuela, Abuelo, Grandpa, Baba, Teta Niki, Tia Ana, Tia Sara, Tio Rey all arrived to find Jess tired, recovering and smiling – Chris grinning from ear to ear handing out chocolate cigars and pink suckers – and the stars of the show Elllie all snug and peaceful and Emma wide-eyed and curious. And in that room at that moment another picture was stored into my heart. A picture of two beautiful girls – and two beautiful families forever joined together.
The girls were born Tuesday (8/15) and brought home Thursday. Their Chevy Traverse was busting at the seams with the girls, car seats, stroller, suitcases and packages. Upon arrival Jess & Chris introduced the girls to their new home and to Nilla and Cocoa the cats. I think Nilla is still waiting for them to take the girls back, but Cocoa has been very curious and eager to watch them. And for all the times that Chris reprimanded me for being too rough with the cats before the twins were born, he is now not quite so tolerant of them getting in or on anything to do with the babies.
The star and moon were also very impressive that week, because the girls were able to experience their first Solar Eclipse. Unfortunately the usually over prepared Baba wasn’t up to the task of ordering the special glasses required to view the eclipse, so Chris attempted to make the official internet cereal box viewer which was pretty much a cardboard/foil failure. Initially the girls were covered as we sat outside, but due to the heat Jessica took them inside. Chris & I glimpsed the eclipse through the cloud cover, constantly reminding each other “Don’t stare at the Sun!!!!” Ellie displayed her displeasure with the entire activity by covering her eyes with her headband.
The new family of 4 are settling into their new lives and routines very well – especially adjusting to new sleep schedules or maybe it would be better to say lack of sleep schedules. At one week old both girls were above their birth weight and thriving! The “kids” now parents themselves are doing a fantastic job.
The other day I asked Chris “is parenting everything he expected?”…..his response “Oh yes, definitely! Except for the sleep deprivation, I never expected the sleep deprivation.”