Four years ago today, I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. to find Amy sitting straight up in bed, holding her cell phone.  The look on her face was distant and even a bit pained.

I remember asking her, ”What’s up?  How do you feel?”

She replied, “I think it might be time to go.”

I’d heard this on a few occasions over the few weeks prior so the urgency of her tone didn’t really sink in.  I walked to the bathroom in our Grove City house and started the shower.  My plans were to hit a workout at the gym quickly and go about the lawn duties for the day.  I figured, like the others, the contractions would pass in a few minutes.

When I came out of the shower, Amy hadn’t moved an inch.  The look on her face had become more serious.  ”It’s really time?” I mumbled.

She nodded.

A sudden rush of excitement and adrenaline hit my system like a speeding truck!  In the next few minutes, I raced around the house checking items off my mental list of all the things I needed to take to Riverside Hospital.

DVDs?  Check!

Video camera?  Check!

Extra clothes?  Check!

Where are my keys?  Seriously, where the hell are my keys!?!?  Oh, yeah.  Keys on counter.  Check!

As we raced up Rt 315, I scrambled in an attempt to capture the special pre-baby content on video.  That ended quickly after a few, well-placed dirty looks shot back from the passenger seat.  Note to self (and others): It’s always a bad idea to record a pregnant woman in the first wave of labor…while driving.  Trust me.

The rest of the story from there is for my family and I to remember and cherish.

What I can tell you, however, is that almost 6 hours later I stood holding my beautiful baby boy in my arms and wondering how life could have given me such a perfect moment.  Today, Kaden is four years old.  He’s a healthy, vibrant and strong boy, full of energy, passion and love.  He’s gentle and kind, and wonderfully intelligent.  As a father, I could never have asked for anything more.

Happy Birthday, Kaden!  Daddy loves you [arms stretched wide] THIS much.

nateriggs

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