Twenty

Twenty Years Ago I became a mother.

It was a long day. 

We got to the hospital at about 7 a.m. and our first son didn't show up until almost midnight.

Lots of transforming incidents during those hours: 

* an enema witnessed by the brother-in-law who shouldn't have

* 1960's baby photos flung about by well-meaning grandmothers

* a gathering at the foot of my bed attended by 'everyone on the 

floor who hasn't seen your bottom yet' 

* drowning labor pains followed by blissful epidural numbness

* learning that operating rooms are very, very cold

* seeing my husband dressed in scrubs

Memorable Quotes:

- "Is it time for my epidural yet? Now? How about now?"

 - "Is it supposed to hurt this bad?"

- "I think everyone in the maternity unit has seen my bottom!"

- "Let's not strap my arms down ..."

- "He's so beautiful!"

  - "There are tears in my ears."

 - "It's his birthday! Everybody bring presents!"

- "He looks just like his dad!"