At 6:55 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 1993 Cristian Elijah SantaCruz Reynoso came into the world weighing in at 8 lbs. 1.2 ounces and measuring 21 1/2 inches long.
It was a difficult delivery in which both my life and his were at serious risk. Neither one of us gave up. Though the birth was natural and free of drugs, I was heavily medicated after the baby's arrival meaning I wouldn't be able to hold my newborn until the doctors felt it was safe for me to do so.
A day had passed and I still hadn't seen my baby boy so I asked to be wheeled to the nursery so that I could see and hold him. When I arrived he was snuggled in the nurse's arm, drinking a bottle. She told me he was a very good and calm baby, that he was doing well and placed him in my arms. He was amazing!
The next day I was eager to once again feel his warmth. In two days since his arrival my bundle of joy had yet to make a personal appearance in my room.
I'd watched the girl who shared my room feed and hold her baby girl -- and even watched the two sleep. But I couldn't do the same with mine.
On the second day after his birth, I heard a small cry outside my room door and down the hallway. I told my roommate,"That's my baby!". But she kindly said that I was just missing my baby, to calm down and wait for the nurse to tell me when I'd get to see my son again. But I thought, "this girl has no idea what she is saying!". The cry outside —though I'd never heard before— was MY cry. I knew from the depth of my soul this was a cry I'd heard in my dreams.
I got out of bed, walked out to the hallway and saw a wheeled-tray of four or so babies. Only one was crying. As I approached them, my heart beat stronger. I got near the baby that was crying and saw his hospital band on his small foot. It read: SantaCruz boy. He was mine!!!
A nurse quickly reappeared and asked me to return to my room, and I did. I waited patiently, happily for my little critter. But I never forgot that moment that has forever captured what our relationship would be: an unbelievable, unbreakable and magical bond.
Today, my baby boy is a young man full of talent and possibilities.
He's strong, gentle, witty, smart and brave.
He's done all that I'd hope he'd do so far -- and a lot more that he's hoped for himself and achieved all on his own.
He often surprises me. Yet I can never stop worrying.
I know that I'm a better person because of him.
Happy birthday Nene!
Cristian with the band, Portugal the Man at ACL 2010.
Cristian with buddy Marrisa Camarillo (love her!)
One of Cristian's doodles:
Me and my baby!
C:
