Mckenzie Steals The Show

  Labor was introduced intraveneously around 7:30 a.m., after the usual prep work was completed. Contractions, slight at first, began almost immediately. Effacement and dilation were checked at intervals. When dilation reached 4, an epidural was given and immediately brought complete relief to both mother and child. The length of time that contractions were suffered was minimal, not exceeding three or four hours. The hard labor began after 1:30 p.m. By 1:40 p.m., out came little McKenzie bluish-grey as could be. My heart raced, but once her airway was cleared, a hearty baby cry could be heard all out and into the hall where anxiously waiting grand fathers and other family members had been gathered. I came bursting through the delivery room door just as my hospital gown caught on the door latch. And with the horrid cap still on my head, I must have looked like a clown being jerked back on a string.  The announcement had been made all the same. Prior to my grand exit from the birthing room, cheers could be heard in that hallway because McKenzie was the first to let them know she had arrived with her feisty cry. Along with the cheers could be heard sighs of pure relief. We had our baby, thanks to a wonderful doctor and his staff. Both mother and child were absolutely fine!

  Although we have a sometimes hectic, too-busy life in these modern days, I would not ever want to go back in time with regard to the way medicine was practiced in days of old. Today’s ways are safer, easier and more than admirable for immaculate practices. Advanced technologies even though so much more costly, pay off in the long run. No price can ever be put on the life of any human being. What it will cost for McKenzie’s coming into the world, is worth everything, right down to the very last red cent!

  To experience the birth of a child, especially that of your own darling grand child, was the most tender moment in my life, with exception of welcoming my own into this world. It brings a smile to my face every time I think about this truly blessed event.

  With close to a week behind us now, I reflect on the wonder of the human machine, the wonder of the new ways and the new people of medicine. I thank God for it all. Little “Baby Bird Lips” is resting comfortably at home, as is her mommy and daddy in knowing their trip into uncertainty turned into ”The Trip To Bountiful”. This grandmother is relieved and now comfortable in her life, having to restrain herself drastically in wanting to visit with little “Baby Bird Lips” every minute of every day. My daughter doesn’t know about this nickname I’ve secretly chosen for her child. I may keep it a secret between just me and McKenzie. But knowing the members in my family, we all have pet names for one another, so perhaps it will come as no surprise that McKenzie already has one. “Little friends may prove great friends”, will always be my favorite quote.

  And now as the years have gone by… I would change this favorite quote of Aesop’s to: “Little friends DO prove great friends”.

* Bottom photo is the current McKenzie

       portraits by professional studios