Happy Birthday, Jackson!

I recall it being an intensely hot summer. Rarely leaving my little apartment, one-year old Kenny and I would stay in, eating popsicles and watching the news. I remember almost every day the news would show a story about the heat, and where to go to find relief. I was one week past due with my second son. Comfort was not easy to find. I was so anxious to have this child. Every night, Kenny and I would take walks around the nearby park. I must have walked 3 miles every night. Nothing helped. I remember even looking up old wives tales on how to induce labor. For future reference, nothing works.

The day before I went into labor, my mom was moving into her new home and needed help. I figured the moving and lifting might get something going. I was scheduled to be medically induced a few days later, so Kenny stayed with his great-grandma so that I could prepare. My brother and I moved our mom's belongings for the entire day. We worked through out the hot summer day. By the end of the day, I was exhausted. My mom was not happy with me for working so much, but I had ignored everything she had said. She made me a bed on her couch and told me she thought it was best that I stay with my family for the night, rather than alone. Normally I never slept well. My huge belly prevented any kind of comfort. But this night, I slept so soundly. I think it was a combination of all the hard work and being back home with my family. I had been living alone for awhile, so having my family there with me made me at ease.

The next morning, I awoke to my mom kissing my forehead. She had done this to wake me up ever since I was a little girl. She caressed my head and told me she was leaving to work. I told her I loved her and she left.

I was sleepy, but had this odd sensation. I felt a crazy urge to use the restroom. I quickly sat up. As I walked to the bathroom, something I've never experience happened: my water broke. I had seen it on movies and had expected a waterfall or something. But it nothing like that. I won't go into detail.

I paniced. "Moooooooom!!!" My mom, who was still outside warming up her car, came running back inside the house. She explained what was going on and helped me to the bathroom. She started a shower for me and called the doctor. The doctor had said to come right away, labor was about to begin.

I wasn't in pain yet, but I remember feeling extremely emotional. I couldn't stop crying. My mom said she needed to check in with her classroom before she could be with me. She woke up my 18 year old brother and told him to take me to the hospital and she would meet us there.

I washed up and got dressed. My brother Josh, who still doesn't remember this because he was half awake, gathered my hospital bags and loaded them in his car. I got in his car and relaxed.

When we made it to the hospital, I still wasn't having any contractions. I remember joking with my brother all the way to the hospital room. I felt fine.

We watched Price is Right until my mom and sister arrived. I was so happy to see them. Things got a little too intense, so my brother stepped out. I was so relieved to have my mom at my left, and my sister had my right, supporting me through the pain.

Labor was quick. 4 hours later, Jackson was born. His name was still not decided on. I was pushing for Aidan, Dad was pushing for Jackson. After seeing him for the first time, Jackson seemed to fit. Dad was a big Johnny Cash fan, and Jackson was the name of a song. James is after my father, and Lee is Dad's middle name.

Jackson was already so much different then his brother, Kenny. Kenny was a big baby, with beautiful milky skin and light brown hair, with big green eyes. Jackson couldn't be more opposite. He was very tanned. I remember him being a very copper color. His hair was like black silk. And his eyes were so dark, there was never a chance of them being any other color. He was very loud, too. He cry could be heard in every room.

He was beautiful. Kenny came with his grandma to meet his new little brother. Not sure of what to think about the new baby, and seeing Mommy with tubes everywhere, Kenny cried and reached for Dad.

Now, four years later, Jackson is still loud. He is the mischief maker of our family. He loves Batman. And cheese pizza. I never lose sight of him, because he is always yelling "raaaawwwrrrr!"

Jackson has grown into such a handsome little boy. With features that resemble me and my father, he looks very Native American. He has the nicest smile, although you may have to tickle him to see it. After all, Batman doesn't smile much! (Jackson is Batman, if you ask him.)

To my Jackson, I love you with all my heart. From the day I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were special. You make our family complete. You inspire me to be try new things and to not be afraid to be me. You're an amazing little boy, and you're going to do something great in this world, I just know it.