Camden is Five!

I can’t believe my baby is 5 years old. Halloween always reminds me of the time right before he was born. The story goes a little something like this….(yes, it’s a long one…)

When I was pregnant with Cam, I had an OB appointment on my birthday, September 13. We lived in KC at the time and Steve was in Chicago. My mom had to come out to visit me for my birthday.

I brought a friend, Carrie, along to my appointment as I thought I was having blood drawn. Since I always pass out at blood draws, I thought it would be good to have someone else drive home. My appointment went fine and I did not have blood drawn. At the end of the appointment the Dr. noticed me trying to catch my breath. At times, I felt like I had a side stitch and just couldn’t breathe. Since I did not have Braxton Hicks with Colin, I just figured that’s what I was feeling. The Dr. was not too happy about this, asked me about my symptoms, left the room and came back in with hospital admission papers. I didn’t want to go to the hospital. I didn’t want to leave Colin at home. But I also didn’t want to risk Camden being born 8 weeks early. I knew the Dr.’s would take care of me, but I was scared. Funny thing is, when I was admitted, the nurses told me that I would probably go home in a few hours since they see “false” preterm labor all the time. They hooked me up to the monitors, talking in hushed voices and brought in a cart full of meds. The first med they gave me made me so hot I felt like I was on fire. The second med they gave me chilled me to the bone. It is such a strange feeling when these meds go through your body. You can literally feel them crawling through your veins. I’m not sure which was which, but I had a med to help stop the contractions and a med to help Cam’s lungs develop. My sis, Roxanna, stayed with me until Steve got there. I was just scared to be there alone.

I spent 5 days in the hospital hooked up and drugged up. The next 3 weeks were spent on bed rest. Keep in mind that I had a toddler at home. Grandma was able to stay and take care of Colin, but watching him from couch about killed me. I literally had to lie on my back every second of every day. I was not allowed to get up except to go to the bathroom and shower. Camden was due on Nov. 4. On October 14 the Dr. lifted my “total” bed rest restrictions. Cam was born on October 15.

Looking back on things, I am so glad I followed the Dr.’s orders.. I know Camden would have come into the world even earlier. He couldn’t wait to come into this world. He has been running ever since. He is so hard to keep up with. He craves constant movement and entertainment. He is such a joy and a crackup. Every day he makes me laugh out loud. Every day he makes me want to pull my hair out. Every day he makes me cringe at his dare devil acts. Every day he wants me to snuggle with him at night. Every day he gives me joy. Every day he pulls at my heart.
You are a sweet (stubborn) little boy. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You mean the world to our family. I am so blessed that God gave us you!