Our baby Jack was 4 last week. Because I don't believe his birth story is recorded anywhere, I thought I'd better recall it in print because I am not a great scrapbooker or photobooker, here it is as I remember it, 4 years later. First of all, when Daddy and I met, I was a director of government affairs at Anheuser-Busch Companies, which was a big St. Louis company at the time. It's business is beer and more beer and yes, I was their lobbyist. Anyway, before we had you, Jack, Daddy and I were live to work type of people. Daddy had started a law firm with Grandpa and I had 6 states where I managed state and local legislation that effected alcohol companies, which includes excise taxes, marketing rules, etc. I loved my job at the time and I mention that because I gave it all up without much regret to have a family and Jack, you started that. Anyway, it was September and Daddy and I were glad that I had made it past September 11 because we were worried you'd have to share your birthday with the tragedy of the September 11 attacks. While we respect and honor that day, we didn't want you to have to share it as your birthday. I was in my office and my secretary, Robyn, had decided that we needed to go down to the United Way fair at lunch to get some ice cream. Nearing 85 pounds with this pregnancy, I agreed. We headed downstairs and out to the parking lot to get some ice cream. In addition to the United Way pledge drive kick off, there was also an employee antique car show and other festival type things, including an appearance by Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinal mascot. We got our ice cream and then shook Fredbird's hand, he patted my belly. I then walked to the other parking lot to retrieve a notebook out of my car. On the way there, my water broke. In a panic, I went back to my office to get my purse, told Robyn my water broke and went to the car. Stupidly, I drove myself to Missouri Baptist and up to the 3rd floor maternity ward. (Yes, everyone of my co-workers offered to drive me. I was insistent. Seriously, what a hard head!) On the way, I called Daddy. He was no where to be found as he was out for a run. Without his cell phone. I called Nana who went out looking for him. I called Linda, Daddy's secretary, who also went out looking for him. Nana finally found him and they grabbed our hospital bags and headed over to MoBap. Labor ensued and I received an epidural around 7 p.m. Little to no progress at 9. Little to no progress at 10. Little to no progress at 11. And on until 4 a.m., when Dr. Appelbaum decided you weren't coming out au natural, so a c-section was performed. You were darling, with lots of black hair and a case of jaundice, making everyone ask me if you were Asian. You were NOT, as you are 1/4 Brazilian, 1/4 Welsh/English and 1/2 German. The Brazilian is the most apparent feature, I am happy to say. :) Anyway, we were in the hospital for 4 days and then we all went home to 28th Street. So, your birth story, finally.
We had a good time at Jack's birthday. He took cupcakes and treats to school for his friends, who according to Ms. Heather, all spontaniously sung happy birthday to Jack a second time on the playground. How cute is that? Then Nana and Mike came over for the birthday boy's favorite dinner of cheese Imo's pizza. Lots of presents. On Saturday, we had the neighborhood kids and other friend over for a last and final party, big fun was had by all. Aunt Emmy and Grandma Lucy came in and the Friday before his party, we all went to the zoo, which was also lots of fun. Jack dearly loves his grandma and aunt and cried when they had to fly home on Sunday.
In other news.....I got a job offer yesterday and I am excited, though somewhat apprehensive. I am going to be a real attorney and those of you who know, this has been a LONG time coming. I have secretly harbored wishes of being an attorney with my own clients for many, many years and I'm going to get a chance to work toward just that. I am joining a small firm where I will be the only associate and we'll do family and personal injury law. It is 10 minutes away from homeand 2 minutes away from the day care where all the kiddos will be. Most importantly, I can work from home when the children are sick and I am working for a woman who has made her own fortune and business and I hope that I can learn a lot from her on how to do that for myself. I will also work from 8:30 until 5, which is unheard of in the practice of law. I have been really praying and searching for the right opportunity for a long time and I am excited that it is here. When one door closes, another one opens. Trite, but true. And so, we go on, living this amazing life that changes each and every day. In the pictures, my college friend Wendy brought her sweet baby, Hermione over for a visit when they were here from San Francisco, various birthday parties and Jack as Spiderman in one of his favorite birthday presents.
