Maybe it’s because I had a doctor’s appointment today where I received more grace than I deserved.
Maybe it’s because these pregnancy hormones are RAGING and anyone that crosses my path will be hugged a little too long.
Maybe it’s because I just started reminiscing about these two gifts I have and the fact is…I don’t know why I got so blessed.
There is a million and a half ‘maybe’s’ in my head right now…but I would really like to confess something that is on my heart tonight.
I don’t say thank you enough. I might think it a million times. I might say it once. or twice if it’s not too awkward. But that’s not nearly enough.
I think of these two little miracles (because all babies are miracles) in my life and the one growing inside me and it literally brings me to my knees. Every single day I am thankful for them. I get all weepy if I think about it too long. So this is me…saying thank you one more time…even though it may seem weird and awkward to some of you…it feels right to me.
I want to publicly say thank you to some fine folks that I don’t really know. They are part of a larger medical community that brought my little guys safely to us. My aunt and my mother in law are both part of that community and I have so many friends that are too…and I just want you to know that if you are also part of that medical community that works hard to serve others, that I appreciate you. I appreciate what you do and know it’s a hard job. Thank you. Thank you from my family. Thank you for being a light in scary situations, being a hand to hold and serving so selflessly. Thank you for taking care of us when we can’t take care of ourselves. I know it’s an occupation…but to some of us, you were an important part in our story and a priceless friend when we are in need. I know that there are some squishy apples among you but for the most part, I know that those that work in medicine are there because they want to make a difference and help people.
So this is me….being awkward and weird online…and publicly saying thank you to you and pointing out some individuals that have helped me. If you happen to know any of these people pictured below, would you give them an awkward hug for me? Or a high five? or just say that what they did stuck with me and I appreciate them?
Thank you to Collette for helping me during my labor with Weston. I still think of you and how I hope to see you again one day!
Thank you to the midwifery teacher who stayed with me when I had Will. You were the best thing that happened to us that day.
Thank you to the nurse who took care of Jeremy and I after the c-section with Will. You were the dream-nurse and if I ever open a hospital (fat chance but still…), I want you to train my staff 🙂
Thank you to Amirah…you were a source of strength and joy and felt more like a friend than a stranger.
Thank you to the midwife who taught our childbirth classes. Thank you for not laughing at my ridiculous questions.
And thank you to Dr. Tate for believing in me when I wanted to attempt a VBAC. You really are a great doctor and I love you and your staff to pieces.
And if you were one of the many folks that helped with Will or Weston (I know that there are tons of folks involved with each birth), a silent soldier if you will….thank you. I know that this time around I will be packing thank-you-cards in my bag to leave for the nurses, residents and personnel. I might be just another patient…but this time I want to be a little more personal than just a bowl of chocolates. Because this stuff….it’s personal. Don’t worry, we will still bring the chocolates 🙂
What a lovely, heartfelt post! I totally have those moments when I look at my daughter and just marvel at the gift of her! And then I get a tiny bit teary, and that’s WITHOUT pregnancy hormones!
Whenever I start saying thank you for my blessings, I think of more and more of them. The list don’t stop! It’s a cascade of thankfulness!
As the wife of a resident, thank YOU for seeing their hard work! Doctors are put down so often right now and people very rarely understand just how hard they work (this year my hubby only works 80 hours a week and it is heaven!). . .and it truly is because they care. A simple thanks can go a long way for a doctor who only ever hears complaining from the people they work so hard for.
So nice of you to be openly thankfull…i also think so many times i need to say thank you more..
To everyone that is a good vibe in life
I’m not even hormonal and this made me cry! I went into labor 6 weeks early with my baby, three years ago. She spent 5 weeks in a NICU and I still regularly think about and am thankful for the nurses(counseling degrees should automatically be awarded to all NICU nurses who have served for five years or more), doctors, and ancillary staff who were responsible for my child still being here today.
Thankfully you know you can count on them again as you deliver your third beautiful boy! 🙂
Seeing the picture of Dr. Tate made me happy. He is the best. He also delivered my second via VBAC. Switching to him at 32 weeks was one of the best decisions I ever made. You are right, he and his staff do deserve a big thank you!!! They are awesome.
This one touched me today for some reason….
My (now 3 y-o) daughter was born in Argentina while we were living there as expats for my husbands job. It was scary and exciting and brand new. My Spanish was conversational (except when I was in labor cause who can focus That much!) My doctor spoke a little English but she was running late. The absolutely fabulous 82-year old midwife was my hero! Even without speaking the same language she calmed my fears and coached me through a very difficult birth. Claire was wrapped up in her cord, twisted the wrong direction, and her heartrate was dropping. I will NEVER forget how she handled the situation and brought Claire safely and quickly into this world. My biggest regret is not being able to tell her how much she meant to me! Yes I said “gracias” a thousand times and cried and hugged her, but that still doesnt feel sufficient enough. So to add on to your Thank You, Thank You Aurelia!!! I will always be eternally grateful for you!!!
Love this! My husband is a doctor and I know he perks up when he gets a thank you card or words of thanks from a patient. Thank you notes are a great idea! We did chocolate too for the nurses with all 3 if my kiddos- you would have thought we brought them gold- they were so surprised! They certainly don’t get the praise they deserve- so thank you for writing this!
Thank you Katie for putting my exact thoughts onto paper. You are so beautiful with your words. Having my two miracles gave me such appreciation for the medical staff that took care of us. If I could live on the maternity floor I would 🙂
My mom is a retired nurse and I don’t think I knew how difficult her job was until I had my first born. Not even difficult, consuming, I can come to work and I can do my job well and care but it doesn’t consume me quite like nursing does… if that makes sense at all. She became my hero after that, not only did she deal with her devilish teenager (me!) as a single mom, but she went to work and gave herself 100% the dying (she was a hospice nurse) and still found time to volunteer. Quite amazing that lady… and all those nurses (well most of them but there’s bad apples in every profession).
Thank you notes, what a great idea!!! I’m definitely adding this to the list of things to pack in my hospital bag in 11 weeks. Beautiful post Katie!
love this post! I also had such a feeling of gratitude for all those involved with my kid’s births. Those people literally hold your life in their hands when they take care of you and then they hold your heart when the baby arrives. When I went back for my six week checkups with both kids I took thank you gifts to the ob’s who delivered and to the nurses who took such good care of us. And judging by the shock on their faces I don’t think it was a common occurance for that to happen. These people do more than a job…..thanks to all of them, everywhere!
Hi Katie,
Let me first say I really enjoy your blog. Reading this post has answered so many questions. I am 29 years old and always had as my friends and boyfriend put it a funny (short) tongue, my boyfriend still gets a kick out of making me stick out my tongue ha. Never knowing it was stage III tongue tie. As a child I was in speech, but grew out of it and never had any problems as an adult. This brings up another question, I was with one of my friends who is having a baby, we were talking about breast feeding, we both didn’t know if we were as babies! That night I had called my mom ..she had said she tried but had a very hard time! after reading your post and putting 2 and 2 together, I think my tongue tie is what made it hard.. its funny 29 years ago no one had a clue that was most likely the problem, leaving my mother thinking it was her. Thank you again for this post, I had no idea how serious a (short) tongue is for babies. I now know if I am faced with same struggle as you and my mother, what I m dealing with.
Leigh
You are so eloquent! I often think about the amazing, wonderful nurses, doctors, et all, at the Denver Childrens Hospital who helped take care of all of us when my first born had to have heart surgery at almost 4 months!! I think of them often and hope that they know how wonderful they are!!
How are you doing Katie? I am not sure when you are due — I think its in March, so its so close!! I am sure you are so anxious to meet LJ, as we all are!! These last weeks are the toughest part of pregnancy I think, plus taking care of Will and Weston, so I am thinking of you!!
Katie, I am a nurse, not in Maternity but in Cardiac ICU. A thank you means the world to us! Most of us feel a calling to this work. (mine came at age 11 while helping tend my Grandfather who was dying of cancer). I have been in the field for 30 years now and a thank you from a patient never fails to boost me up during my 12 hour shift. I have moved from floor nursing to management and back to floor nursing, it truly is my calling. Please know that a thank you is the best thing you can give a nurse! It truly makes our day easier. When you are in pain or frightened we understand that you may not be at your best and we continue to care about and for you. But when everything calms down a “thank you” or a “sorry about my mouth” ,lol, touches our hearts. We are truly better nurses when we hear a little praise or appreciation during our shifts. So I want to thank you for putting this out there! Such a simple phrase that means so much! Oh and we like candy and cookies also! HaHa. Best of luck and prayers to you and your precious gift that you have an easy and safe birthing experience.
No, thank YOU for appreciating the hard work my husband, a resident, does every day. So often people love talk so much crap about doctors. Many people don’t realize all the sacrifices someone in medicine makes in their own personal life to be able to be a good doctor, nurse, etc. It’s hard work but also greatly rewarding. Some nights he won’t make it home in time to see our little one before bed time, and that’s tough for him, but at least we know it’s all for a good reason.
Thanks for posting this!! As a nurse I can tell you that a heartfelt thank you means a lot…although chocolate is always appreciated too 🙂
This made me teary, and mine are 22 and 24. Both were natural births, and the second was 6 weeks early. I still think of both L&D nurses I had as angels, and really wish I’d thought to leave or send thank-you notes. The NICU nurses were all fabulous, kind, and always so encouraging. So thanks for bringing back warm memories, and I pray your delivery will be smooth and uneventful!
I think I remember that your Dr works for Emory. Do you use the Emory Patient Portal? http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/patient-portal/index.html
After my baby was born I was able to send a thank-you message to the on-call Dr who was at my delivery and to send my regards to the rest of the delivery team. After baby was born, the team was gone in a flash so I didn’t get to say anything in person. The Dr. said my message made her day and was the best.
Love thank-yous!
I am a nurse and newly expecting mum after 2 years of trying + 3 losses. Call it the hormones, or the nurse in me, but I cried from reading this. Babies are truly miracles, and your words are so beautiful!
when you have time, call the floor manager, or send a note/email! As an ER nurse, usually the only time our boss hears from patients is to complain. So when a patient takes time to brag on us… it means the world to us. Because usually our weekly meeting are nothing but what we do wrong, productivity, budgets, complaints etc. The few times our manager has a compliment from a patient, is the bright spot in our day! Of course getting goodies from thankful patients don’t hurt either! 😉
As an ER nurse, we often see people at their worst, so thank you’s are rare. In fact it’s mostly the opposite….. I’ve been called every name in the book, not to mention being hit, scratched and bitten. So thank you Katie, for posting what I wish more people would say. It doesn’t require a card, or even chocolates (although those are very appreciated!) a simple, heartfelt thank you would be more than enough.
Oh crap. Now I’m all misty and I don’t even have pregnancy hormones to blame.
I adore you Katie Bower! and your precious family!
Literally crying right now. in the library. I’m in my 7th flipping year of an MD/PhD training program struggling to finish…I sit here day after day reading your story, Sherry’s story wishing I was a stay-at-home Mommy blogger. I have a 14mo son and every time I think about finishing the last 2 years of medical school, starting residency, possibly doing fellowship my stomach tightens and I burst into tears because by the time I finish all the training and no longer have to work the 80 hour weeks my son won’t want me to read him bedtime stories or cuddle in bed every morning and it breaks my heart. into a thousand pieces. and lately I’ve been asking myself if the sacrifice is worth it. Don’t know why I’m blubbering about this on your blog! But hey! If you ever need a blog assistant with a ton of irrelevant medical training and a really cute play friend for Weston in toe I’m your gal! 😉
I’m so sorry you are have a rough day! I think anyone can relate to that feeling of “is this sacrifice worth it?!” and I hope you find your answer!
xo – kb
I didn’t know about that! Thanks for letting me know!
xo – kb
As my feet ache from my second 12 hour shift this week [scrubbin is hard when you dont do it often], I thank you. This post is just what I needed to read before drifting off to sleep.
Katie, What a wonderful surprise I received today when a friend forwarded your blog to me. As I read through your heart felt blog and thank you to the many individuals who supported you throughout your pregnancies I never suspected that I would find a thank you to me. I am the nurse-midwife who supported your labor with Will and remember you well. I have always felt that it is an honor to be able to support women and their families during the life changing event of labor and birth and am so happy to find out that my presence was comforting to you. Congratulations on your growing family – 2 boys and with a new addition on the way. Thank you for taking the time to reach out and let those who have given selflessly know that their actions have indeed made a difference to you – it is truly the best gift you could have given us! The thank you notes are a wonderful idea – I have saved every thank you note that I have been given over the last 35 years as a nurse and nurse-midwife. Good luck and congratulations as you bring this next baby into this world.
Having children is by far life’s greatest joy. So while you may have a few extra preggo hormones running through ya don’t feel bad about any awkward thankfulness : ) I don’t think people get thanked enough these days for the work they do. Especially the ones who help us bring our little people into the world! Btw my sister in law sent me this post (we both have boys) and since you are having a third I had to share it! I got a good laugh out of it. http://www.scarymommy.com/the-10-best-things-about-having-all-boys/
Marie, I know you were not talking to me but your comment broke my heart and reminded me of a quote I saw on Pinterest a while back (I think it was from the natural homeschooler).It said “Ask yourself what is really important and have the wisdom and courage to build your life around your answer.” I wish you the best.
Aww Marie I feel for you girl. I’m one of those “go with your gut” kind of people but everyones gut tells them something different. I hope everything turns out well for you and your kiddo.
Katie, I JUST got out of the hospital yesterday and you write this post?? GET OUT!! lol. I was sitting in my chair at home soaking in the familiar sights and hums of the house reflecting back on my experience at the hospital and being so grateful for so many rock star personnel I came across and wondering how I could possibly thank them. Notes! So simple. Chocolate! So yummy! Thank you so much for the idea. Now I’m also off to peruse ALL of your Destin, FL posts because this mama needs a break and I’m on the hunt for the softest sandy beach my state has to offer. :o)
My best, Lynn
Oh my goodness…I just started crying. Thank you so much for all you did. I really can’t tell you enough times Thank YOU. I tell everyone that the only reason I have peace about Will’s delivery is because you were there and I knew I could trust you. I would love it if you would send me your address – [email protected] so that I could write you a real thank you note. Now I have to go call Jeremy and cry on the phone 🙂
SO MUCH LOVE, kb
OOOhhhh…can’t wait to read it 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
xo – kb
This is so sweet! I totally feel your emotion in some of this… it’s amazing how some people can impact lives. **rubs her tummy** I love your blog and all these baby posts; always have!
Lookin’ Haute! Totally want some J Brand jeans!
“Lookin’ Haute!” I would totally spring for that map art. I’m already thinking about where it would go in my house…. so cool!
Love this post! Its crazy some days how you can bend over backwards for a patient, taking care of all of their “messes” and getting down and dirty with not so much as a thank you. A little thank you can really go a long way! So thanks for saying thanks! Also this post reminded me of why I really went to nursing school and reaffirms that pursuing L&D is what I am supposed to be doing right now! Thanks KB!!
Thank you for this lovely post! Although I cannot go back and thank all the people that were a part of bringing my two boys into this world… I was able to swing by my high risk OB’s office and drop off some updated photos of the boys, a thank you card, and some chocolate. It was a random thing, and I hope they enjoyed it. Thank you for the inspiration, Katie!