It was a little over three years ago when I was sitting on my bed in Northern Ireland skyping with my best friend Jamie in North Carolina. We rarely used skype and definitely not when I was in NI. We communicated more via facebook. (while she still had it) This particular instance was incredibly special to me, it was after I got the email that she was having yet another baby girl and that they were going to name her Leticia Marie. I called her right before her husband came home from work and right when we saw each other we started to bawl. Seriously... half of our conversation was us crying to each other because we both just missed each other so damn much. Mia was taking a nap so we were trying to be extra quiet, but it didn't work very well. That skype date was the first time I saw that baby belly, the first time I sent a few prayers to Vinnie because he was going to have his hands full, but also the first time I knew I was going to love that baby girl like crazy.
Fast forward a few months. The weekend of January 23-25, I was on baby watch. Jamie flew home early to have the baby in Ohio, while Vinnie was driving up from NC. I came home from school to spend time with Mia, but to also be there just in case she went into labor. I believe my thought the entire weekend was.. "oh lord, please don't go into labor, please oh please oh please." We spent the weekend getting everything ready, making sure we had a bag packed, food ready, and our game faces on.
We were extremely lucky, by the time I left on Sunday to head back to school, there wasn't a baby in sight. HOWEVER, she didnt wait long. Monday afternoon, I got the phone call. It came from Jamie herself. "Well, I think it's going to happen soon. We know you have class, but we'll be here whenever you can come"
The worst part about this entire situation is that I had a presentation on Tuesday. One about my time in Ireland, so I couldn't leave, but I had my car ready to make the trip immediately after I was done.... I woke up the next morning to a picture... this picture.
It said, "hi Tia, can't wait to meet you"
January 27th, 2009
6lbs 3 oz
18 1/2 inches long
pure goodness.
I met them at the hospital at 1:30pm and stayed until the snow storm outside started to pick up and I needed to drive back. That baby girl took a piece of my heart that day and she still refuses to give it back.
Here's to you my baby Lete. Happy Birthday.
Here are some Justin Bieber lyrics just for you, baby!
"You know you love me, I know you care
Just shout whenever, and I'll be there
You are my love, you are my heart
And we will never ever ever be apart
And I was like...
Baby, baby, baby oooh
Like baby, baby, baby nooo
Like baby, baby, baby oooh
I thought you'd always be mine (mine)"
