Happy 21st Birthday Rochelle

We were stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Your father had orders for Germany, and at one point we even thought you would be born in Germany. However, as the military works, you really don't know when your transfer is effective until the airline tickets are in your hands! You were 2 weeks early, and because of your impatience you were born at the old hospital which was built during WWII and not the new hospital which was to open about a month later.

Stubborn from the start you were. Prior to your birth, you presented breech, so I agreed to attempt to have you turned in hopes of avoiding a c-section. Dad was pretty grossed out by that procedure because after my uterus was completely relaxed, the OB dug your tiny body out of the birth canal and try to convince you to turn around. You didn't want to stand on your head, you were comfortable enough sitting, so you didn't budge! I had been feeling contractions off and on for a few days, but they never amounted to anything, so I just assumed that today was no different....remember there was still 2 weeks to go. Dad came home from work, we had dinner and were planning to go to Sears with the neighbor. For whatever reason, the neighbor convinced us to go to the hospital and sure enough, we were told that I was in labor and I wasn't going to Sears! To be young and dumb again.

I was admitted to labor and delivery and hoped that you took it upon yourself and turned around, but no you didn't. I was wheeled through miles of hallway to the operating room where my precious gift was born. Your father and I waited what we thought was forever before you arrived. I was in 7th heaven because I finally had my baby I so wanted. Of course there is always a but..........I was able to touch your arm before they whisked you away because you were not doing well. You had fluid in your lungs and were jaundice. You spent the first 2 days of your life hooked up to many machines. I couldn't see you because I was not mobile due to major surgery, and they couldn't bring you to me. Many tears were shed. You and I are very stubborn fighters and were united after only 2 days. Both of us were able to go home after 4 days and you had a clean bill of health with no traces of the struggle you had at the beginning of your life.

You shocked your father the first time in the hospital when you pooped everywhere. It wasn't funny at the time because I had I-V's to deal with, and was not able to move very well because I just went through major surgery, so I was looking for help. What I got from him was a look of panic. He turned pale and all he could say was, "I'll go home and get you a clean pair of pajamas." I cried and resigned myself to the fact that I was doomed! It's very funny now and so are any of the times you have been able render him speechless!

Thank you for the past 21 years. They have been years that I would never trade and I look forward to many more years. You may not have been happy with many of the decisions or choices your father and I have made for you throughout the years, but I believe that you are have begun to understand why we did what we did. I see this through the choices you are making for yourself today. I am very proud of you and have no doubt that I will continue to be.

All my love,
Mom