01.07.00

On this day back in 2000, two wonderful little boys entered the world.

Funny story: I actually went into labor a week beforehand. Ain't that something? I happened to be in the doctor's office due to gestational diabetes (I loved me some apple juice) and my nurse asked if I felt okay.

"Gas cramps," I said.

"Gas cramps?" my nurse asked. "Come into my office, put up your legs and let's have a look."

I'd have been more thrilled with such a request if I hadn't been eighty pounds overweight. Anyhoo, turns out I was dialated and in labor and never even knew it. How's that for being one tough b*tch? Oh, wait. This was supposed to be about my children.

By the time January 7th rolled around, I was ready to pop. Twin A positioned himself feet first so they had to perform a C-section. I felt sad because I had planned to give birth underwater with candles burning nearby and soft music playing in the speakers overhead. Although my husband may have needed a sedative, the rest of us were going to experience the entire event drug-free. However, the Lord had other plans. When doctors gave me an epidural and asked how my legs felt, I truthfully answered,

"Hairy."

At 11:24, my oldest was out and about. At 11:27, my youngest joined the crew. They were beautiful and strong-willed from the beginning. Within twenty-four hours, both pulled out their feeding tubes and were ready to hit the high road. I should have known then that my hands would be full for the rest of my life.

Six years ago today. And I've been the luckiest mom in the world ever since.