Happy 5th birthday to “S” — kid #2. I went to his class today to bring cupcakes and read a story (How to Train Your Train — a surprising but endearing Target find). Every year in this class they trace him on his birthday. Now we will have side-by-side comparisons of S at 3, 4, and 5. He is getting big!
I do not feel like it was just yesterday that he was born. This has been a long 5 years, probably because we’ve packed in a lot: another baby, plus another on the way, a move, several books.
However, I do remember his birth quite well. Here’s some hard-won knowledge for anyone in the NYC region: Do not give birth at NYU Medical Center 9 months after Christmas. The place was a madhouse. I was scheduled to be induced early in the AM, and was turned away twice because people were basically giving birth in the hallways. I was finally admitted in the evening. It was a quick hard labor: a little more than 3 excruciating hours. I wanted an epidural but, what with the hospital being as busy as it was, the anesthesiologist didn’t show up until 2.5 hours into the process. S was born around 9:30 p.m. He was a big baby: 8 lbs, 12 oz. Cute, and ate like a champ. Alas, there was no room in this inn. The maternity ward was full. I wound up in the urology ward with a guard stationed outside my room (because there wasn’t the layer of security that there is around the nursery). I enjoyed feeling a bit like Beyonce, but I really just wanted to get out of there. We talked them into discharging me the next day and my husband and I walked S 5 blocks home in a stroller at about 11 p.m.
After that slightly traumatic birth experience, though, S was and still is an awesome kid. He’s easy going, and is my little foodie, willing to eat broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers. He’s learned to swim and play soccer and goes after the ball aggressively. Nonetheless, he’s still willing to cuddle up on my lap. I enjoy seeing the odd mix of maturity and being a little kid that turning 5 entails. Last night he got so into playing with his new Pokemon cards that he didn’t make it to the bathroom in time. He called to me that he’d peed in his jammies, but he also informed me that he’d cleaned up. He’d changed clothes, and simply presented me with his soiled shorts. Everything else was taken care of. I look forward to seeing what he’ll do with his life.
He sounds like a great kid! I can testify that it is a great joy to see their personalities come to fruition in adult talents and character…nothing better!
I remember his birth well also! What a day that was. I remember your trying to name him so you could leave the hospital–even if it was 11 pm! How could he be anyone but “S” now! We love him and you! Wish I could be there with you today.
Aww, happy birthday to S! My younger daughter is about to turn 5, too. I can’t believe my baby is so big. Unlike you, I didn’t keep going… so I am facing the end of snuggly little kids in my house rather soon! I’m taking a half day today to go have some time with just me and Ms. Almost 5. We’re both very excited.
@Melanie – I hope the half day went well! Kids are great one-on-one. I’m up at 5 a.m. working today since my 7-year-old has day off of school and our nanny comes at noon. He and I have some fun stuff planned from 9 to 12. Here’s hoping we get to all of it.
Happy birthday to your son,Laura!Time really goes so fast and before you know it,he’ll be towering you.
@Gladys – my 7-year-old seems to be just a few years from that towering spot. I am going to be the shortest person in this family by far!
Happy Birthday to S! I was marveling at what a sweet kid he is when we met briefly last summer.
T just turned 5 last week and I vacillate between “OMG how did we get here” and “holy crap, she can do that all by herself?”
The other day she had gotten dressed, brushed teeth and had poured herself cereal by the time I dragged myself downstairs to get our day started. Pretty awesome.
@ARC – that is awesome! Once she can get breakfast for her little sister, you are totally set to sleep in 🙂
Oh, I can’t WAIT. I actually rearranged our kitchen cabinets a bit so that she can be more self-serve (and help put away more of the clean dishes!).