To Julianna on her 19th Birthday

The sweetest, tubbiest little thing...short and small, at 7.5 pounds and 20 inches long. Cute as a button with a little old man hair line. I fell in love with you immediately...immediately!

I remember being in my room after giving birth to you and hearing your cry from the nursery. I already knew your cry, Jay, so I knew to go to you. I remember being so excited for you to come, but I was not on bit nervous about your arrival. I already knew you and so awaited your arrival with a great deal of confidence and joyful anticipation.

On the day of your birth day, I awoke early in the morning to labor pains. I let your father sleep while I ironed my clothes for the trip to the hospital. When the pain become a bit more severe I woke him up, but oddly enough the labor pains stopped abruptly. After a longish nap on the couch, I decided to take warm bath. I had been soaking a while when your father brought me a cold glass of water. As I set it on the edge of the bathtub, simultaneously with the sound of the glass hitting the porcelain, I felt you move in time with a dull pop! Perplexed, I stood up, drained the water out of the tub, and began to dry off. I noticed my legs continued to be wet even after toweling off a couple of times--my water had broken enough for it to trickle. At that precise moment, I felt the first real pain of your labor. At the time I write this, Jay, 19 years ago I was in labor with you! 2 hours and 19 minutes later, your beautiful little face looked into mine. Your father was so happy he cried. We captured it all on tape--even your dad cutting your umbilical cord.

From that moment, Julianna, the world has been a better place. Your smile lights up every room, your hugs radiate warmth and peace, your spirit is gentle, compassionate, and yet strong and determined. You are everything I knew you would be and yet so much more. I am one proud mother who looks forward the mark you will make on this world.

Happy Birthday, Little One!

I love you,
~Mama