Meeting Mason James {a sister story}

This was one of the most important days of our niece's life and, unfortunately, she wasn't old enough at the time for her to be able to remember it that well in the future. That's why this Aunt of hers wrote it all down for her to see later. One day I know she'll be old enough to read and understand this post. And I want her to know all special moments and details of the day she started the glorious, messy, hilarious, frustrating-but-rewarding relationship of being a sibling.

So Gracie, here you are. 

An adventurous, beautiful tale 

all about the day you met your 

little brother, Mason.

All the plans were well laid out. We went to bed knowing that your mom's c-section was scheduled for 12:30pm the next day. Your dad had left St. Louis that night to run some errands, play a softball game, and check on things back home. He was going to spend the night there and head back up to the hospital early in the morning. Me and your Nana Bailey had decided to leave for the hospital around 11:00pm the next day. We were going to get up at the normal time, maybe eat lunch at home, give you a bath and be on our way. Everything was set and everyone was comfortable. Until...

Your mom called your dad around 2:00 in the morning. She was in labor. Real labor. She needed him to come NOW. So he quick got ready to leave, woke up your Nana, gave her the details and left. We didn't wake you up yet because we weren't sure what to do. It was 3:00am. We waited to hear from your dad and tried to sleep a little. Yea...that didn't happen. At all. 

Finally, your dad called Nana and said they moved up the C-section and we should come on up to the hospital and bring you. It was now 5:00am. Me and your Nana stumbled around the house, half-asleep, rushing to get ready and waiting to wake you up until the last minute. 

I remember seeing you sleeping there and thinking how much your life was about to change. How you didn't even know it. It was so sweet. I woke you up as gently as I could. And then we had to get you ready! Right now! It was time to GO.

The stars were still resting on the horizon and the sky slowly warming with the sunrise when you got buckled in your seat. You had the monkeys (one for you and one for Little Brother) with you the whole time. We fed you bites of a McDonalds biscuit and let you watch Tinkerbell until you fell asleep. It's a long way to St. Louis.

You loved to take off your shoes once you got in the van. It was cute (in a somewhat frustrating way) I remember carrying you in the hospital from the parking garage and then putting your little shoes back on so you could ride the escalator without help. You also wanted to pull your Clifford backpack by yourself. No help, thank you very much.

Then it was the on to the waiting rooms where you made sure we understood that, "There are no toys in here." Thank goodness there was a large tank full of swimming 'shish' to keep you occupied though. You and I named an orange one Chubby. Nana Bailey pretended not to be that worried about your mom, you ate (and spilled) your snack. We both played various games with you to help pass the time. 

Finally, your dad came. He had some special news. You didn't fully understand, I'm sure. But thoughtful daddy had brought a phone picture to help prepare you for who you were about to meet in the room down the hall. I watched as he showed you what was on the his phone. You smiled. 

We were so very very thankful that everyone was alright. Mom and baby we're doing just fine. Praise Jesus, How He blesses and shows mercy. 

And then..and then! It was finally our turn to come in. 

We were over the moon.

Why all the happy faces? Why all the excitement? What was everyone making such a joyful fuss over? Oh just....

Mason James. The firstborn son, the little brother, the grandson, the nephew. The perfectly-formed-and-loved-immensly-by-all boy. He was perfect. 

But even perfect babies need to have their first bath. 

Your Dice grandparents came too. And how they just multiplied the joy. 

You were so curious about this little person. Wanted to hold, wanted to talk about and claim, "That's my baby brudder." You wanted to touch and talk to him. All these first interactions as siblings. 

Daddy was so proud, oh so proud! He smiled wide and had big, happy eyes for Mason. Just like he does for you. 

Your mom was in a state of happy disbelief. 

"I have a son!" She'd exclaim. And then look at you both together and say, "I have two kids now. Can you believe that?" It's safe to say you both made her very proud. And then, of course, she needed to tell the world via Facebook about the newest addition. He's here! He's here! Hurray! Come celebrate with us! 

After awhile you were getting antsy. I mean, new brothers are nice and all but you have to be quiet and still in a hospital room. And when you're three? That's hard. So Nana and Aunt Bean took you to a park and let you run wild. We all needed it. And we may or may  not have gotten slightly lost coming back from lunch in downtown St. Louis. 

 

Once we made it back, we tried to take it easy. Your parents we're tired, we were tired, you were tired, Hey, even Mason was worn out! Turns out, in the end, being born just makes everyone want to take a nap. But that just makes time for snuggles, right?

It was such a happy day, Gracie. The weather in the city was clear blue, and full of white-fluff clouds. The windows let in all the happy light as your family celebrated the new life of Mason. We all soaked it in and rejoiced.

After allllll that, it was time to go back home. Your hair was now in a teeny, messy bun. You were pretty exhausted. But maybe as you pulled your Clifford bag back through the hospital to the van you seemed a little older, a little more grownup now. 

There it is, Doodlepop. The crazy-unplanned-beautiful story of how you became a big sister. And you know what? 

It's one of my very favorite ones ever. 

The End.

Love, 

Aunt Bean