A year ago today, we were one day away from becoming a family of four. It was on this day that Tot gave us this very memorable performance. I don't remember too much about this particular day outside of the election. I remember voting and watching the election results, but beyond that, it's all a blur.
Of course, I do remember a fair amount about Bean's birth, both before and after and I spent some time this week looking back at the story of her birth. Time does amazing things to memory. You know... destroys it?!
What I realized in my story telling was that I had forgotten two details of her birth that continue to stand out to this day. I don't know how I neglected to share this after Bean's birth, other than the fact that I had just given birth to my second child, was sleep deprived, had an infection and probably wasn't in my right mind. I know, excuses, excuses.
One thing I neglected to share was the story of Bean's beautiful pink and white crocheted blanket from the hospital. You can see it here next to her little cute face in the last photo. Apparently, all the cute little babes who end up in the NICU get a fashionable crocheted blanket, compliments of some master crocheting volunteers. And, since Bean was, and still is, super cute, she was gifted with a very fashionable blanket. While all the other average looking, non-NICU babies were lying on hospital issued white blankets, our girl was sporting the crocheted pink and white variety. I'm hoping that Bean doesn't think that this privileged beginning of life is going to be an indicator of a life full of silver spoon treatment. One crocheted blanket does not a privileged life make.
The second little story that I somehow neglected to share was that of Bee's unintentional lockdown of the entire birthing floor. Yes, Bean, you read that right. Your father caused a lockdown. Again, while you are indeed special, you were not born into privilege.
The NICU where Bean spent her first thirty-six hours (or so) was located right next to the entrance doors to the maternity floor. Because no child shall be carried anywhere in that hospital, Bean was in her little rolly tray cart thingy and was finally able to come to the hospital room with her mommy and daddy, like all of the other new little babes. At the exact same moment that Bee was rolling Bean out the door of the NICU in her rolly tray, someone on the other side of the maternity floor door pushed the magic button, opening the door. Bean's leg (and hospital arrest ankle bracelet), was positioned just close enough to the open door to set off the "Emergency Emergency SOMEONEISTRYINGTOSTEALABABY Alarm" It was all a matter of timing, but Bee (and Bean) did set off the lockdown mechanisms, shutting down the entire floor. For almost an hour, no one could come in or leave thanks to my darling daughter and delightful husband. I think it was just Bean's way of stealing the attention away from any new babies who might have been trying to steal her cuteness thunder.
So, here we are. A year later.
What an amazing year it's been.
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