Four years ago today P was born at 3:33pm on a Sunday, after 23 hours of labor (we checked into the hospital at 4:35pm on Saturday), a failed epidural (which paralyzed my right side, but the left side was ALIVE and well), an emergency cesarian section, and a mystery fever which resulted in an 'extended' stay at the hospital.I spent 100% of my pregnancy here in Germany, more than 5000 miles away from my nearest family member. My pregnancy was a 'surprise'...a surprise that if I were given the choice to do it all over again, I would. I never thought I'd love someone as much as I love P. Even on my roughest day, when I feel like I'm breaking under the pressure of work and school, it takes one look at P and I remember why I push myself the way I do. ***************************************************To my Favorite Girl...Happy Birthday...I love you!19 Feb 2001
17 Feb 2005:
In 1999, when I came back to Germany to visit my friend Rose, who at the time was a single parent (of a toddler) and in the Army, I remember asking Rose how she does it all, by herself. Her answer to me was basically 'Because I have too. If I don't do it, no one will'. No truer words have been spoken. When people ask me how I work and go to school full time, take care of P and appear sane, all at the same time, I ALWAYS give them the answer Rose gave me:Because I have toIn no way am I complaining, but it is sort of a justification as to why I do what I do, all for my Favorite Girl.
