My pregnancy with you was harrowing, to say the least; but not because of you...  rather due to other things.  Samantha was hospitalized when I was 18 weeks pregnant and we were there for a long time.  She was on a vent for over 3 weeks and to say that my nerves were shot, would be an understatement.  I would not leave the hospital while your sister was there, but I never felt alone with you inside me.  The only way I got any sleep was to feel you inside of me.  Even then, you were a source of strength and comfort.

I remember the day that we found out what sex you were.  I thought your dad was going to jump put of skin when the tech said, "BOY."  Your dad never said he had a preference of sex, but it quickly became obvious that he did.  J

We hadn't picked many boy names, but the few that we did just did not feel like your name.  I was going to sleep when the name CHRISTOPHER popped into my head.  I then put it together with my Uncle's name, Paul.  Christopher Paul…  It sounded right to me and I decided to run it by your dad the next day.  He agreed that fit and from then forward you were no longer the baby, you were Christopher Paul.

Thankfully you were very healthy when I was pregnant with you.  You were also a big baby.  Because of that, the doctors felt that a repeat c-section would be the best way to bring you into this world.  So we went with their opinion and scheduled a section. 

We decided not to do it right before Christmas because we didn't want you ever to feel like your bday got lost in the holiday shuffle and for that reason we didn't choose Christmas day either.  However, the day after Christmas felt like a good day to have a baby Christopher.  We were the first one scheduled.

The night before I was so nervous and excited.  Excited to meet you and nervous about surgery.  Your dad slept like a rock (no surprise) but I tossed and turned.  Finally it was time to go.  We were scheduled to be at the hospital by 6 AM.  We were off while Nana and Pop-Pop watched Samantha.

When we got there, they took me to Triage and hooked me up to a monitor that kept an eye on you.  It appeared that I was already having very strong contractions and chances were if you weren't already scheduled to make your entrance to the world, you would have been coming soon anyway.  They also hooked up an IV port into my hand.

At 8 AM they took me back to the operating room.  We were told that it would be a little while before they let your dad in and while they wheeled me back, they had him change into scrubs.  I was in the room with a few nurses when the anesthesiologist, Dr. Cherry, came in.  I must have looked scared cause he asked what was wrong.  I told him that I was nervous and wished my husband could come in already.  He said that was no problem and your dad was brought right in.  The nurses were amazed and asked who we knew cause no one usually gets to have their spouse with them at this point.

I was given a spinal tap.  At first it made me feel VERY strange, but Dr. Cherry gave me something for the nausea and your dad held my hand.  With in minutes I was feeling better.  After they were certain that I was numb, Sr. Sallash arrived and explained what was going on as they started. 

I was so calm and happily chatted with your dad and Dr. Cherry.  Before I knew it, Dr. Sallash was telling me that I was going to feel a little pressure as they got the baby out.  There was some pressure but it was hardly noticed once I heard you cry.  I can't even begin to fully describe how my heart was just flooded with love and adoration as I heard you little voice.  I fell so in love with you in an instant.  It was 9:06 AM.  That moment is etched on my memory.

The area she checked you was right next to us, so I was able to look at your beautiful face.  On your ABGARS, you got a 10 both times.  This nurse said that she doesn't often give 10's.  Everyone agreed that you were just so beautiful.  After she checked you, she brought you over to your dad and me.  We just looked at you, kissed you and talked to you.  I couldn't wait for them to stitch me back up so that I could nurse you.

Your dad went with you when the docs put me back together.  They were going to knock me out, but I requested to stay awake.  I wanted to be alert and able to nurse you as soon as I was allowed. 

It was a little after 11 when you were brought to me.  You latched on immediately and the feel of you felt perfect.  I held you until it was time for you to get your first bath.  The rest of the stay at the hospital I had you with me every second that I could.  And I continue to love you more and more as each day passes.