My mother was the third person to meet Lily, just after Joe and I. When Lily was born, Joe went with her to the nursery and my mom took his place in the operating room while I was sewn back up. She first met Lily in the hallway as Joe left the operating room. She kept me calm for the rest of the surgery.
My memories of the recovery room are foggy, due to how medicated I was. But I know that my mom was there- despite the rule that only Joe was allowed. Those who know her will not find it shocking that she found a way to be there to make sure that I was okay.
She even gave me a sponge bath in the hospital when we realized that the water was too cold for a real shower. It may sound strange, but it was one of the most vulnerable, intimate, and loving moments of my life.
For a month my mom put her life on hold to stay with Joe and I after Lily was born. She did countless loads of laundry, cooked meals, made shopping lists, cleaned, and slept with the dog when I wasn't comfortable having him in our bedroom with the baby.
She taught us how to give Lily a bath, advised me during the trials and tribulations of breast feeding, and cleaned my surgical incision.
And during this visit, she may have found time to hold the baby once in a while.
She has given me countless gifts in the past 6 weeks. I will always cherish the time that we had together after Lily's birth.
She is an inspiration to me and I know she will be for Lily.
Thank you Mom. And happy birthday.
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