My baby is 11! - A Birth Story

December 13th, 2000... 33 weeks pregnant with baby #2 - I woke up from an afternoon nap feeling that something wasn't right. So I called into work (I was suppose to go in at 4) and headed to the hospital to get checked out. Sure enough, the doctor told me that my water had started to leak. I was 19 years old and tired of being pregnant so was excited for a moment thinking that meant my baby would be born soon. Of course, it was too early to have him and I soon realized things were not going to be so simple afterall. The doctor said I would be admitted immediately to be on complete bedrest. Ugh!

I spent the next 21 days laying in a small hospital room (this was before all the fancy birth suites were built). I missed Christmas with my family, including my 22 month old son who was at home with Grandma and Poppy. I rang in the new year in that hospital bed as well. That was a difficult time, and quite boring I might add!

The doctors had decided to induce me at 36 weeks and end the torturous bedrest. Finally, the day came - January 3rd 2001. I woke up super early as I had been counting down the days and was so excited to meet my lil guy. However, the labor and delivery unit was extra busy that day so I had to wait, and wait... and wait. About 4:30 pm they said I could finally head down to the delivery room to get started. 12 hours later I gave birth to my second son, Jerell Solomon, on January 4th. Even though he was still almost a month early he was completely healthy and able to come home after the normal 2 days, and so was I after 24 days in the hospital!

Jerell was a very difficult newborn, crying most of the day and night for a couple months. I was so young and living on my own with 2 kids 2 and under. I believe it was the grace of God that got me through those times (along with lots of help from Grandma!). But after those rough few months Jerell became one of the sweetest babies ever! And he's continued to be that way over the last 11 years. He's compassionate, loving, smart (testing at the very top of his class year after year) and just such a blessing to us.

I'm so thankful for all my boys, but today I'm especially thankful for my sweet Jerell! Happy Birthday, Jelly :)

Jerell @ 9 years old