Four years ago yesterday I was being prepped for a C-section with Ross. It was considered semi-emergent because of his size and my history with Owen of a hard labor and BARELY being able to push Owen out. I had already been on complete bed rest for two months. At 24 weeks I was in pre-term labor and it took over a week to get the contractions stopped.

After a REALLY painful recovery from the c-section I was at home for less than two days when I spiked a fever of 106.4. My OB feared a pulmonary embolism and met me at the ER to admit me. This turned into a 14 day journey. During that time I had 8 IV’s, 15 antibiotics, was stuck 147 times for blood draws and blood gases (TRUST ME you NEVER want this… its horrible!), and finally ended with surgery. During this time my managed to flip out. My heart started having arrhythmia, my lungs were not functioning properly, and Ross and I both managed to get MAJOR thrush… I will never be able to thank the Central Baptist Cardiology team enough. They put me in the biggest, roomiest room in the hospital on the cardiology floor. We were of course the talk of the town as we had Ross IN THE ROOM with us the entire time. I was nursing and it would have been impossible to have him away from me. They made sure that we always had accommodations for the little guy and myself as a nursing mommy.

After surgery my fever immediately dropped and never returned. My doc called this my “White Rabbit” infection that disappeared as fast as it came. I will never forget how hard it was to go through that but I would do it all over again to have Ross here.

I wrote this to Ross yesterday and didn’t have time to post.

To my Rossy P,
Today my baby boy, is your 4th birthday. You are officially a big boy now. I cannot even believe that this little round rolly poly baby is now a big BOY! You are so funny and kind. You have always been a tenderheart from day one. I remember having three whole weeks in the hospital with you alone. We had nothing better to do than lay in bed and sleep. It was the most amazing feeling that you slept most soundly on our chests.

I remember the first night we brought you home you ATE 6 oz and slept from 9 pm to 5 am. You have always been a champ. I remember putting you in your crib with the sailboats painted all around you. I had worked for WEEKS hand painting a border on your wall. It read : “Never a ship sails out of the Bay but carries my heart as a stowaway”. I know that this must have gotten into your heart because I have never seen a child who is more fearless and loves the water more. I hope I get to take you to the Ocean soon. I know you will love it there.

I know that you will end up being my big burly man with the most tender heart. Your brother, mr. string bean, loves to torture you because he knows how much things upset you. You seem rather unphased by it all. Right now, Kyleigh Morgan is your very best friend and you smile the biggest at her. I hope that you two always stay that way and that you always love her more than life itself.

Something you may not know is that you are named after your Daddy and your Great Grandpa James Rosco (Popo’s Daddy). I never got to meet Grandpa Teater but Popo has always told us great stories about him. I know that he would be PROUD to meet you and know that he will always live on in you. I know that Popo must see some of him in you every time he says your name and you should always be proud of that.

Also, you are the reason why I started the studio. It was the image of you and Dr. Y that single handedly started my career as a photographer and gave me the inspiration and confidence to go for it! I don’t know what life would be like without photography and without you.

You drive me nuts getting up in the morning and making your OWN peanut butter sandwiches (and inevitably a mess) but I know that I will miss the messes and the tears. The laughter and the cute way that you mispronounce things. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you open your “Presidents” (presents) this christmas and I hope that you NEVER forget how it feels to live in wonder of the world around you.

I love you my little man, and though I miss that tiny chunky peanut you were, I cannot wait to see the man you become. My greatest contribution to this world are my three babies and you are each special in your own way. I hope that you always stay tenderhearted and always laugh until you cry. I hope you love with all your heart and live without regrets. Most of all I hope that you never forget that your mommy and daddy love you beyond words.

Happy Birthday Charles Roscoe Teater Schmidt.
Love, Mommy

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