April 27, 2009


23 comments
After midnight, I was still resting pretty easily. The contractions were strong but bearable. The nurse came in and asked if I want my epidural. Being new at the birthing thing, I decided that since I had reached the "epidural point" (4cm), I would go ahead and get it. So, they came in and gave me the epidural. I don't recall any of it - labor, contractions, getting the epidural - being extremely painful. I may be blocking stuff out, but my labor, from my point of view, was very easy. So, we went through the night, progressing slowly but steadily. By noon, I was still hanging in there, probably at about 7cm by then. Time went on, and at 2:45ish I had reached 9cm. In a matter of minutes, though, I felt like I needed to push. My sister ran to find my nurse and my midwife, they checked me, and sure enough, I had reach 10 and we were ready. My mom and sister left, Jeremy returned from visiting with the welcoming crown in the waiting room, and we got ourselves ready to meet our son.

I remember DeEtte telling that it wasn't unusual for women to push for an hour or more. I looked at Jeremy and said, "I'm not pushing for an hour!" My goal was 30 minutes or less. So, I pushed...and since my epidural had weakened, I was able to feel the contractions and know when I needed to push and needed to rest. Our nurse was fantastic and so encouraging. DeEtte, my midwife, was such a cheerleader and a constant calming presence. Since I had never given birth before, I was scared, nervous, and had no idea if what I was doing was correct. She continued to assure me that I was doing a great job. I stayed true to what I said, and 30 minutes later, Ayden was out and screaming. It was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.

He was perfect. 7 pounds 14 ounces, 19 inches long. Nearly a perfect APGAR score, and born with a healthy set of lungs. He calmed down as soon as they put him in my arms and he heard my voice.







Once we had a chance to settle things down a bit, we invited everyone back to meet Ayden. He was passed from person to person; so many pictures were taken. Proud granparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends crowded in to meet our first child - our Ayden Brooks Jones.



We already loved him, but the unconditional, breathtaking adoration hit us the moment we laid eyes on him. This is our child. We made him! He is one person made up of the two of us! He is our love personified! It was the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced and will always be my most favorite moment of my entire life.



Happy Birthday Ayden! We love you so much, and we are so proud to call you our son. You have blessed our lives in so many ways, and you will continue to do so for a lifetime. Our memory of that day is forever imprinted in our minds. It was the day we held a sweet baby boy, a baby boy we loved more anything in this world, a baby boy who was prayed for, hoped for, planned for, and created just for us.


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23 comments:

  1. Happy birthday, sweet boy. I didn't even know you in real life and miss you anyway.

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  2. Thank you for sharing, Lindsay. He is such a precious gift. I never understood what it was like to be a parent until I had one of my own. Ayden has the best parents in the world, and I know he knows it! Happy Birthday, Ayden. You have made and are making such a difference in this world. We love you all
    Anna, Patrick, and Jonah

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  3. Thinking of you guys today and of course Ayden too!
    Dear Ayden,
    It’s your Birthday, Handsome……. Everyone’s celebrating, thinking, and wishing we could hear those Angels sing Happy Birthday to you! It’s a happy day, a day of remembering what wonder gift God brought into this world for us to meet. We're remembering that wonderful smile that you oh so love to show off. We’re just a little jealous that you’re celebrating this day with Jesus, but one day we’ll be there to join in the festivities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    With love,
    Michael and Crystal Tyson

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  4. Thinking of you guys today and of course Ayden too!
    Dear Ayden,
    It’s your Birthday, Handsome……. Everyone’s celebrating, thinking, and wishing we could hear those Angels sing Happy Birthday to you! It’s a happy day, a day of remembering what wonder gift God brought into this world for us to meet. We're remembering that wonderful smile that you oh so love to show off. We’re just a little jealous that you’re celebrating this day with Jesus, but one day we’ll be there to join in the festivities.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    With love,
    Michael and Crystal Tyson

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  5. Happy Birthday Sweet Ayden! We are all thinking of you today and make sure you catch the balloons that your family is sending you today. You are missed by many and many who never "knew" you. My family is thinking of you and your family today. Take care Jones Family.

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  6. Happy birthday sweet Ayden. You have touched so many lives that never had the chance to "meet" you. Our family is thinking of yours today.

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing your (and Ayden's) story. Prayers for you and Jeremy today.
    My 3 year old and 14 month old will be releasing balloons today at 3:46 in remembrance of Ayden and all the little angels who get celebrate their birthdays in heaven.
    Happy Birthday Ayden!

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  8. Happy Birthday Ayden!!! Although it's extremely tough on your parents, family and friends here, you're really blessed to get to spend your first birthday in heaven! I can't even begin to imagine the elaborate birthday's that they make for special little guys like yourself spending your 1st birthday with Jesus! You are making a difference in my life and I didn't even know about you this day one year ago! Happy Birthday sweet boy...hope you catch my balloon and the many other's being sent up to you today. Have fun!

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  9. Happy Birthday, Aiden... thinking of you guys...

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  10. Happy Birthday Ayden!! Your tiny soul has left an imprint on many hearts, mine included. I will never forget you even if I never "met" you. I hope you are having a super special birthday in Heaven. Can you please send some extra hugs and kisses from Heaven for your mommy and daddy today? Im sure they're going to need them.

    I hope (actually I KNOW) your birthday is as special as you are :)

    Lots of love from Michigan!!

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  11. I thought of Ayden and you all as soon as I woke up this morning. We are planning to release our own balloons for him this evening. You and Jeremy continue to be in our prayers. We will never forget Ayden. Thanks for being so strong and sharing this with all of us. We love you guys!

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  12. Thinking of you all today!! Happy Birthday sweet boy!!

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  13. What a beautiful birth story!!! I honestly felt the same way about labor...it was not nearly as bad as I expected it to be...another thing I was thankful to Matthew for being such a good baby!!!!

    Lindsay, lifting you and Jeremy up today as I know this must be so hard for you. Aching for you, and so, so hopeful for one glad morning to come!

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  14. I'm still checking your blog regularly and think of you (and Ayden) almost everyday...but I hadn't checked in a few days, then when I went back today, I realized today is Ayden's birthday. What a special day...I will keep hiim and all of you in my prayers and celebrate his life today!

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  15. Happy Birthday, Ayden! I know you have had a glorious day!!

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  16. Happy Birthday Ayden. Your smile is forever in my mind and heart sweet boy. I didn't even know you but adored you from afar. You've got some pretty awesome parents to by the way!

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  17. Happy Birthday Sweet Ayden!

    Also, happy day to the people you made parents!

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  18. Happy Birthday Ayden!You truly are a special little boy even if I did not get the chance to meet you. But have heard so many great thinks about you from your wonderful parents. Thanks for sharing that precious video Lindsay and Jeremy I loved it.

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  19. Happy Birthday Ayden. I am definitely thinking of you today. Your life has made such an impact on me.
    Lots of love!

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  20. Thinking of Ayden and both of you. What great memories to keep in your hearts forever...

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