Today, two years ago, was a Friday. We spent it at Alta Bates Hospital knowing that soon or sooner we would become parents of a preemie boy. The cramps which I had taken for contractions were, according to the nurses just "uteran irritabilties." Sure enough, the next day, which obviously was a Saturday as Satrudays tend to follow Fridays, our little guy needed to come out... ASAP.
Rushed in to the operating room (you all know the story by now) Loki Sky was born at 24 weeks and 3 days (or perhaps a little earlier even), only 60% through a typical pregancy. He showed no respiratory effort, he was quiet, and I could not see him. Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good" was playing on the iPod of the anesthesiologist. The room felt cold and the lights in the room looked cold. Everything I never imagined the birth of our beautiful son to be like... yet now making perfect sense in our birth-story, at this point in time.
And here we are, two years later, on the eve of Loki's second birthday. Loki has taken us along some scary paths on his journey into and through this world, and continues to surprise us now and then. But I guess that is what we asked for when we named him Loki, after the Norse deity of mischief. Of course, these moments around his birthday call for some pondering and reflecting on our road into parenthood. It is almost needless to say how proud and delighted we are with our boy and all that he is. But I want to say it anyway, again and again and again. I do not ever want to take for granted that our little 610 gram miracle survived his early birth, including all the scary preemie "bumps in the road," renal failure, and six surgeries. I want to celebrate his path, his life, and the inspiring human being that he is.
We all know Loki wouldn't be here if it were not for the amazing medical care provided by many skilled nurses and doctors. Even more so, I believe that he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for himself: Mr. Loki Sky, two year old rascal shaking up our worlds, since 19 weeks into my pregnancy. Strong, determined, smart, happy and powerful little man: we wish you a wonderful second birthday. We are so grateful you are here to celebrate life with us. We are so grateful that it is you who choose us to be his parents.
Then:
Today, with his new car sent by Bo:
9 comments:
happy Birthday, Loki Sky! You continue to inspire us all with your powerful spirit and zest for life. You have fought hard, with much support, to be walking in those wooden shoes today. Yes, you ARE a miracle, a survivor, but most of all, and happily, a very normal, car loving little guy!
Love,
Cheryl and Brianna
Can't seem to delete the incomplete one..but:
Dear Mom and Dad,
Amazing journey, amazing child. I've said it ad nauseum, but the spirit inside that little boy is so full of life--with a great deal of help and support, yes, but mostly because of his intense drive to LIVE, he graces all who know him. Yet most remarkable to ME is just what a normal, happy little miracle he is. happy Birthday to YOU guys--you became parents today.
It is amazing to see the difference of two years! What a handsome charmer he is. Wishing Loki a fabulous birthday and another year of growth, good health, and love.
Of course Loki's story is not new to me, but it never gets old. Loki, mom and dad, you are a wonderful, amazing, inspiring family.
I am very happy and honored that I was allowed to be part of your journey.
Happy Birthday, my little Trickster.
Very well said Mom. I was sitting here with tears of joy as reading this entry. We ARE very lucky to have such a wonderful Child. And dearest Loki, always remember to be thankful to you fantastic parents. They have taken such good care of you and molded you into quite a great kid! We miss you very much. See you at Christmas!!!
Dear Mom/Dad/Loki,
I'm honored to know all 3 of you and celebrate all of you on this day, Loki's 2nd birthday.
Love,
Jen
goosebumps again and how easy his life looks in the last picture, though I am sure there are constant concerns on your mind. Still, it is great that Loki has become a very 'normal' toddler. Geniet from that! Love, Kyra
Lieve mensen,
van harte gefeliciteerd met de ze geweldige mijlpaal1 Alle goeds voor een echt nieuw jaar voor jullie drie!
Jullie vechtlust , optimisme en standvastigheid zijn de ingrediënten die de wereld nodig heeft.
Goed om te weten dat er in Berg en Dal een plek is waar deze eigenschappen non-stop beoefend worden.
NB we komen graag eens langs, met Esther en Noah!
Liefs, ook voor de trotse grootouders,
Wopke en Judith
I am so very amazed but more importantly so very grateful that alta bates was available to loki and foxen. i am honored to have met your wonderful family and so in love with our sweet foxen. Happy Birthday Loki.
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