Thoughts of Becoming a Mom

As I anticipate the births of Brannan John Sessums and Greyson Matthew McQueen in a few short weeks, I have reached deep within my own memories of the births of Jessica and Matthew. While I do not ever remember it being this hot while I was pregnant, I do remember the anticipation of what my role would be in their care and upbringing.

Jessica was due to arrive on Sunday, March 29, 1981. I chose Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit" for her nursery theme complete with yellow gingham accessories. On Wednesday prior to her due date, Lynne Stockstill (her godmother) and I went to Slidell to eat lunch at Wendy's. I remember Nannie asking me what I was gonna do if my water broke. I promptly and proudly replied, "we'll get a mop and clean it up". Without being too graphic, I'll just say "That's not quite how it's done".

Later that evening after dinner, I wasn't feeling just right ~ not sure how to describe it and decided I may need to be checked out at Crosby Hospital. Nannie drove me there and sure enough, I was in labor. I was placed on a hospital bed to experience first hand labor pains. Mimi drove down from Laurel to be with me and I must admit that labor wasn't bad at all. I remember lying on my left side (facing the bathroom door) and Mimi rubbing my lower back the entire night.

Early the next morning, Dr. Leo Gibson delivered our first-born, a beautiful daughter Jessica Lyn McQueen. She's been my pride and joy for the past 29+ years and I anticipate the joy that only she can experience when she holds her precious baby for the very first time.



My pregnancy with Matthew was fairly uneventful, except for what seemed like being pregnant the entire year of 1983. His expected due date was September 4, 1983 and everything was clicking along as planned. On August 18, Jessica and I rode the AmTrak to Laurel to visit Mimi and Papa. I'll bet you didn't know that riding a train at 8 1/2 months could put a woman into labor, did you??? I saw Dr. Gibson on the 19th and he said everything looked normal, even though I mentioned feeling a little different.

Again, after dinner that evening, I felt the need to be checked out at Crosby Hospital. Kenny stayed home with Jessica and Nannie reluctantly drove me to the hospital. I say reluctantly because Matthew wasn't due for another 2 weeks and the next day was Kenny's 27th birthday. He had asked me earlier in the pregnancy if I could have Matthew early. Being naive, I said "sure!!!" Nannie just thought I was wanting desperately to have a baby on Kenny's birthday. Needless to say, I was proud when the nurse informed us that I was indeed in labor.

Mimi once again drove from Laurel to be with me. This time around, I had attended childbirth classes so I was given an epidural for delivery. Actually, Mimi had attended the classes with me and was quite upset that she couldn't be in the delivery room.

Just like clockwork, early the next morning, Dr. Claude Blackburn delivered our second child, a son Matthew Kenneth McQueen. He has been my best friend and sports enthusiast for his almost 27 years.
Nothing pleases me more than to be anticipating the births of two precious grandsons. I pray that they will grow in stature and wisdom and always be faithful to themselves and their parents.

Brannan John Sessums, you have wonderful parents in Benji and Jessica. And Greyson Matthew McQueen, you have the same in Matthew and Gabrielle. Your parents will always love you, no matter what. And just remember, if Mommy and Daddy say no, just come ask Granna.