Jaxon

Last year, on April 24^th, our family was blessed with the sweetest, cutest, craziest little boy in the world. On this day, my sister gave birth to my nephew, Jaxon. I remember the day as if it was yesterday and I hope I always do…

April 24^th happened to be Easter morning and we were planning on going to my aunt’s house for the day. As soon as I heard my phone ring at 7 am, I knew it was time for the baby’s arrival. Amy didn’t find out the sex or tell us any of the names her and Kevin were considering so we were ready for a day full of surprises. Well, as ready as one can be, I guess. 

After my mom called to tell me they were on the way to the hospital, I got dressed and headed to my mom’s. Since her house is just minutes away from the hospital, I went there to wait for the call that it was official. Within minutes of arriving, Amy called to say that it was, in fact, official. This day would be my nephew’s birthday. I remember when my mom hung up the phone and told my dad, my brother, and me, we all started rushing around to get ready…I'm not even really sure what we were doing, but within seconds we all stopped and just looked at each other. With that, we were all crying and hugging in the middle of the kitchen. I guess it hit us all: we were going to have someone else come into our family today. The feeling was overwhelming.

My dad, brother, and husband stayed home while my mom and I went to the hospital. We had no idea how long things were going to take, but we knew the guys did not have to be there all day. It was surreal seeing my sister in the hospital room ready to have a baby. The whole time I was choking back tears. Tears of excitement, anxiety, fear, happiness. I didn’t want my sister to see how emotionally unstable I was at the time because my main concern was making her feel comfortable and confident.Inside, I wanted to throw up! I hated seeing her in pain and not being able to do anything to help her was awful. It wasn’t long before things got intense and my mom and I were asked to leave. It seems like we waited for days. In reality, we waited for hours… and only a couple of them. It was torture being in the hallways and watching nurses and doctors come in and out. We had no idea if things were going okay because no one even looked at us to tell us (which obviously made us more nervous!). Sensing things were getting close, we stood right outside of the room and waited in silence. Then, it happened. We heard a baby crying. My sister’s baby was here… just in the next room. Again, the emotions overwhelmed us and we cried and hugged in the hallway. 

A short while later, Kevin came out to tell us that the precious cries that we heard  were from a sweet baby boy. Jaxon James. Everything about his announcement felt right… felt perfect. Everything was exactly as it was meant to be.

Here we are, one year later and everything with him still feels perfect. He’s such an amazing kid. Inquisitive, smart, hilarious, active, a little crazy and absolutely adorable.  We are all so blessed to have him in our lives. 

I'm still astonished when people tell me to avoid babies or baby showers. Babies, especially my nephew, are the reason I can still do this. They remind me that there is a goal... there is a "reward" at the end. Giving myself shots and taking pills and wearing patches almost feels normal now. Jaxon reminds me that it isn't normal and that I'm working for something. Something amazing.