Party Preparations

Braden and me

Sixteen years today I was in the hospital waiting patiently to have my first baby. My pains began in the morning - it was a Sunday morning, and my husband and I were supposed to be ushers at church. He ended up ushering solo.  I stayed home; my dear Dad came to spend the time with me. We played cribbage to bide the time. We never finished our tournament because I had to lay down. My husband came home from church and Dad went home. We spent the afternoon waiting. Waiting, waiting, waiting... finally at 4 p.m. I declared  "it's time!"  The contractions were coming fast and furious. I've never made it to Swift Current as quickly as we did that afternoon. The nurse got me all checked and gowned and ready. We waited and waited and waited. Midnight came. And went. Nursing staff switched. Contractions came.  And went. And we waited. Finally, in mid afternoon, the next day, I was wheeled into the delivery room. And I pushed.  And we waited. And waited.... Nothing...My doctor made the decision to take me to the O.R. for a c-section. Good thing too, because apparently, my pelvic bone was not shaped normal.  Sixteen years ago already. I can't believe how quickly those 16 years flew by.

So today we've been getting ready for a party. Tomorrow we will be celebrating 16 years with our dear, treasured son, Braden. Today I have been preparing his special meal for tomorrow.. Raisin pie. No cake for him- he's a pie boy. I remember making 1 cake for him - it was a pirate cake for his 4th birthday. He was really into pirates. I was really not into making cakes though.  But I did, with my husband's help. Or rather, he made it with my help.  And it turned out great.  It looked like a pirate ship. But for the last few years it's been pies. And today I made make ahead mashed potatoes for the roast chicken supper tomorrow. Braden really likes make ahead mashed potatoes.  So he's getting lots of them. Grandma and Grandpa will be coming out too. Just family. That's what Braden wants. I shouldn't say 'just' family. I don't mean it like that. I am honoured that for this special birthday my son wants to spend the day with the people who mean the most to him.

The preparations are complete.  The potatoes are in the fridge, waiting to go in the oven at the right time.  The pies are cooling on the cupboard.  The gift is bought and will be wrapped.  The grandparents have been phoned and will be coming out tomorrow. Everything is in place. For now we are content to wait.