Chunka

Oh my chunka, if only you realized how special you are to me and to all of us. Let me introduce you guys to my chunka aka Julian.

Julian was born on Valentine's Day. My pregnancy with him was a really tough one. I was working full time, in college full time and I already had 2 kids. I was stressed beyond belief but I was so excited to welcome him into our lives. David was over the moon and the kids were so excited to have a little brother. David and I couldn't agree on names. My favorites were Connor, Ryder, my first choice was David Jr. David didn't want a junior at all. He didn't like Connor or Ryder. We landed on Matthew briefly and then just as quickly dropped it. When we came across Julian, it was the only one we could agree on so we kept it and i really liked Ryder so it became his middle name. He was my chubbiest, grumpiest baby. The night you were born was madness. i was sent to the hospital from Dr. Shaw's office after a visit where my blood pressure was too high. i was induced and i tried to tough it out because i had delivered Jas and Yaya naturally without pain meds. That was a mistake, I toughed it out until i couldnt anymore. Then I tapped out and asked for the epidural but that was a fail because I was already in too much pain, nonetheless I got it and my legs went numb but the pain was still there.

Half way through pushing I wanted to give up and Dr. Shaw said "it's a little late for that" lol. I loved Dr. Shaw, he was crazy but a great OB.

When he finally came out, he wasn't breathing. Obviously my first instinct was what's wrong with him? Dr. Shaw tried to distract me by having me focus on delivering the placenta. A bunch of doctors rushed into the room and starting working their magic and then I heard him cry, and then he wouldn't stop crying lol.

He was 8 lbs 6oz of awesome. He always had this permanent frown. You know, sometimes he still does. I think out of all the kids he was my favorite toddler. He was a little ball of energy and personality. He was just great, everything our family was missing.

Today, 2.14.23, my chunka turns 10!! It's so hard to believe. But I couldn't be prouder.

To my chunka:

You are one of the best things to have happened to me. I love you more than you can even imagine. You are bright, loving, stubborn (like dad) and so charismatic. You have an amazing personality and I hope you continue to grow and tap into all that personality you have. You are such a great kid, such a great big brother and I'm just so thankful to be your mama.