Lucas

To The Baby - I've always loved you best because while endings are generally sad, you are such a joy. You readily accepted the milk stained bibs, the frayed books and the used crib. You are the one I hold onto so tightly and never put down. You are the link with my past and my reason for tomorrow. You darkened my hair, quickened my steps and restored my vision. You gave me a sense of humor that security, maturity and durability can not provide. When you are all grown up and have children of your own, you will still be my baby.

Lucas Steven Rich was born January 17, 2006. He broke our pattern of birthdays with a 2 or 22! When labor started with Luke, I was feeling like a pro and decided I would tough out as much labor at home as I could. Sometime early evening on January 16th labor started, by 10 p.m. labor was getting pretty strong, but so was my will, so I stayed home still... then by about 1:00 a.m. I'd had enough and was ready to go to the hospital. By the time we got there, got in the room I was READY for the pain meds - however, Lucas was ready to make his appearance. My water broke and out he came, before the doctor could even make it into the room! He was born at 2:17 a.m., and I was medication free. Never in my life will I do that again!