3 years old

Today, my first born turns 3. 3 years old. I cannot believe that I have a 3 year old. I still don't feel old enough to even be a mother let alone a mother to a 3 year old. Being Joshua's mother has had it's ups and downs -  like any parenting adventure. God has given me the strength that I've needed in the hard times and given me the laughter to enjoy the good times. 

Last night as I was lying in bed, I was recalling the days leading up to his birth. His due date, November 21st, 2005, came and went with no indication whatsoever that he was going to make his appearance. On November 29th, I remember being at a night of worship at Rock Harbor Church with Jill Hess and being startled as she very excitedly leaned over to give me a word from the Lord about Joshua's tardiness (he was 10 days late).  She said that Joshua is going to test and try me with his curiosity and questions and that this time of waiting is to help remind me of the patience that I need to have with him. On November 30th, I chose not to go to Bible Study so that Lawrence and I could have one last date night before becoming parents. At 1 a.m. on December 1st, I got out of bed to go to the bathroom and felt the warm trickle down my leg that every expectant mother wonders what will feel like and where they'll be if and when it happens. 

We arrived at the hospital at 2 a.m. where we were admitted and waited to see if contractions would start on their own. Well, I waited...Lawrence slept! At 7 a.m. I was given Pitocin and labored hard with my husband by my side, ready, willing and available for me to lean on as one contraction after another came. Finally, I yelled out "I have to poop!" (I can't believe I just typed that in my blog for all to read) Lawrence was on my right side, my Mom was on my left,  my sister had the camera's in both hands and my mother-in-law was hiding behind a curtain. We were ready. I was ready.

Finally at 1:56 p.m., Joshua Peter Gustafson was born. The first words out of my Dr's mouth when she saw his face were, "I have good news and I have bad news: The good news is that he's adorable. The bad news is that he looks just like his Daddy." And he does, but that's not bad news at all. 

I love you, Joshua, and I am so proud and blessed to be your Mommy!