Thinking about Jackson turning 11 today brings up so many different emotions in me. First of all, when did I become old enough to have eleven year old?!? Second, wasn’t he just that 8 1/2 pound baby that I was holding for the very first time. I think back to that special Friday morning in August when he decide he was ready to come. I was suppose to be induced ( 5 days early) because I was so swollen that my feet jiggled like Jello when I walked. Rainbow flip-flops were the only things that could fit on my feet. My (usually very low) blood pressure had started to go up and I was miserable. So I checked into the hospital on Thursday night August 24, 2006. I was going to be induced the next morning. We had a plan. I was going to wake up, have breakfast in the hospital with Allen and then start the induction process. I sent Allen home to get a good night sleep. The doctor gave me something to help me sleep and I dozed off for a bit. Around 3:30 am I woke up in a lot of pain and realized my water had broken. The nurse hooked me up to a monitor and checked me and realized in was in full-on-labor. So they had me call Allen (around 4:30 or so) and tell him to head to the hospital. They proceeded to move me to a delivery (from what I remember). It was all happening so fast that parts are a blur. The one thing that was not having fast was Allen arriving. What in the world??? So he finally shows up around 5:45 or 6. When I asked him what took so long he said “Well I had to eat and so I waited for Chick-fil-a to open.” Seriously if I hadn’t been in so much pain I probably would have knocked him out. So I was checked again and I was already to 10 cm. I asked why I hadn’t had an epidural yet and they were waiting on a blood test to make sure that my platelet levels were ok. Finally I got the ok for the drugs!! Thank goodness! At that point my mom was there to support us. Both Allen and mom had to hold me during the epidural because my body start shaking uncontrollably when I am in a lot of pain. When it kicked in it was great- well at least on one side. The anesthesiologist figured it out because at 7 am my doctor came in and it was time to push. This was where Jackson’s stubborn streak came out for the first time. I pushed every minute with all I could for over TWO hours. My doctor even left to perform a c-section on another patient and came back. I remember to this day that she and my mom were talking about recipes and then they would pause to tell me to push. I was exhausted and half awake and asleep because of exhaustion from pushing and the meds they gave me to sleep the night before had not worn off. So finally at 9:19 am Thomas Jackson Hauser was born. I remember feeling exhausted but overwhelmed with so much joy that I could hardly stand it. It was truly the most magical feeling in the world. I love thinking about that day not just on his birthday but throughout year especially during hard times. There are these crazy mixed emotions that go through my head. I also think about the number of amazing friends and family we had visit us in the hospital. We had friends from high school, college, church and beyond. Even my mom’s best friend came to check on me and keep me company so mom and Allen could have a break. I can still see the exquisite flowers the my aunt brought to the hospital. But then my mind shifts to the people we have lost since that wonderful day. My mom first of all. I don’t think I could have gotten through that without her by my side. She was so positive and filled with excitement and anticipation about becoming a grandmother for the first time. I also think about my sweet dad. He wasn’t there for the birth because he was moving my baby sister into college. But as soon as he heard the news he headed back to Charlotte to meet his first grandson. These moments make me smile and cry ugly tears all at the same time. I’m trying to cherish each moment and relish in the memories of those we love. Happy Birthday to my sweet, strong-willed big boy who made me a mama!! I love you more than you know.
Mom & Jackson
Charles and I will always remember that day becoming grandparents for the first time and holding Gods little gift to our family. We love you Jackson Nana and Papa Hauser.