The Blessing of the Firstborn
We’ll soon meet up at church to offer up praise to God for His overwhelming goodness. We’ll be celebrating the entire day that will conclude with a great meal at a favorite restaurant. And, the “special plate” will show up which means each of us telling him why he is special to us.
But first things first – this mama gets to give her two cents worth. When he was born, I was a love-struck mother. His dad, me and God created his first heartbeat, and my heartbeat was the first one he heard. And every Valentine’s Day, he reminds me that I was his first love.
This #1 child (in order of birth debuts) and his birthday, brings on nostalgia. My love for him and all the memories, are indelibly imprinted on my mind. I know that we are all in partnership with God in bringing these amazing human beings into this world and God does His part well!
Our Ryan Keith, our first-born was the “test-case” for two inept amateurs. No prep-training classes in those days. I remember the hospital staff showing me how to nurse this little human being. It occurred to me: “This baby is dependent on ME!” Oh, the responsibility that hit two very novice kids. I remember being shown the correct way to change his diapers, take care of his tummy button, how to bathe him and THAT WAS IT!
We were on our own. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? No formal training in baby care? Shouldn’t there be college classes for this incredible feat? Fortunately, we had our two mothers that “knew the ropes” and who guided us to expert status.
This first-born gave me the incredible gift of my cherished title: mother. My first-born and I were partners as we navigated all his first-born challenges like blow out diapers, sleepless nights and keeping him alive when he was very sick. We are still partnering. Now he helps me navigate MY life. It’s a role reversal.
He was my first time that I watched my body change and grow to accommodate a person, the first time I threw up for mornings for three long months and experienced the crazy ride of pregnancy highs and lows. The first time I nursed, the first time I planned a first birthday party.
Yes, we learn volumes with the first-born. It didn’t happen right away. But over time, through mothering him, I found out who I was and am in this role. My strengths and my weaknesses. My highs and my lows. He even gave us the courage to do the baby thing again. And, two and a half years later, came his little sister.
We literally grew up together. I was a young, inexperienced mother that knew little of raising a baby to a boy to a man. And, I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but with God’s and my precious husband’s help, he made it to the beautiful man he is today.
It seems like I blinked and no longer did I have a little boy. Now a strong and mighty man stands where that precious little man used to be. And I celebrate that man every day, but this day is his birthday.
I love this man’s heart, his passion, his leadership, and his determination to make a positive difference in so many people’s lives…including mine. Stay tuned for his newest company, rolling out soon, that will do just that!
My firstborn. Yes, the memories flow today. I’m counting my blessings, the greatest of which call me Mom and Nana — and on this day, I’m especially thankful for that little man that kick-started us into parenthood. He survived our youth and inexperience and he rocked our world!
Happy Birthday, my first-born, Ryan Wuerch! What a difference you’ve made in my life!