Being Born in a Pandemic by Lia

Carmichael
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading this book. This is dedicated to my son, Karter. He was born July 25th,
2020.
I would like to dedicate this book to all the parents around the world who had children born
during the pandemic.
 My sweet baby, you were born in such a difficult time for so many people. Born in a
world where everyone is scared, trying to find ways to deal with our “new normal.” The news
that I was pregnant with you was an amazing thing to hear. I was anxious about you being
born into this pandemic.
 The whole world shut down; everyone was working from home on a computer. Some
people lost their jobs. But all I could think about was you. Watching the news was like
watching a horror movie. Every day, the news would tell us what to do to stay safe. We must
wash our hands, we must wear a mask, we must stay 6ft apart. It was to keep us safe. I did
my best to keep you safe.
 It was time for our first OBGYN appointment and it was finally time to meet you. The
doctor said spouses were not allowed in the room, it made me upset. I wanted your daddy to
get a chance to meet you for the very first time too. But as I laid down on that cold table with
anticipation, I was ready. Once you appeared on the screen, I thought you were so tiny and so
cute! They gave me a picture to take home, that was the best day of my life.
 Every time I went shopping, I thought about how much I was risking your life. The
lines were so long, everyone was panic buying. There was no toilet paper on the shelves, no
hand sanitizer, no gloves and no cleaning wipes. People were feeling overwhelmed and
nervous, they would get angry at each other over the lack of supplies. After I saw how angry
people were, Daddy said it was time to start having groceries delivered to the door.
 For my entire pregnancy, I craved socialization. A simple hug, coffee with a friend, or
just shopping. These are just tiny details that I took for granted. The only social interaction I
had was with my significant other and video calls with my friends and close family. Life is
rough my sweet pea; Things can change so quickly before you are aware of it. I thought about
how long it would take before I can do the things, I loved the most again.
 It was time to find out if you were a boy or girl, I was so excited! The doctor kindly
reminded me that no spouses are allowed in the room again. The day I found out your gender,
I screamed with joy. That joy never went away, but I did start to think about your safety a lot
more and how I could introduce you to everyone.
I thought about how I would have a gender reveal party during the pandemic. Not
only that, but I thought about how this pandemic robbed me of so many amazing
opportunities to celebrate your birth with everyone I loved.
 Several months go by, I am 9 months pregnant. Many have lost their lives, but heroes
were also born. I do not know what I would do if the nurses, doctors, and many others who
continue to strive to help us to survive were not there.
It was finally time for your grand arrival, and we were so excited to meet you, baby.
The hospital had so many rules for visitors. We were only allowed one support person, your
dad was the only lifeline I had to support me, he was amazing, but I missed my mom not
being there.
I was nervous that I might have had to wear a facemask while giving birth, these
masks are such a pain to wear, and can be difficult to breathe in, but I would do anything if it
meant keeping you safe. Fortunately, I did not need to wear a mask. With Every contraction I
had, I was one step closer to meeting you. I was feeling so many different emotions. Joy,
pain, love, nervousness, and the list goes on. It was all worth it in the end when I finally got
to see your sweet face and hold you in my arms. You are so beautiful. You were my little
miracle born into a pandemic.
 We brought you home, no one could meet you or hold you and it made me sad. The
hardest part was not having any postpartum support, no “mommy and me” groups, and no
grandma to come visit and help.
It took us some time to find our rhythm. Breastfeeding was difficult, bottle feeding
was difficult. The sleep deprivation was hard. You cried and I cried too. Being up at 3am
rocking you to sleep, I thought about all the other parents around the world right now with
me, rocking their babies to sleep.
 But my sweet baby, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. During uncertain
times during the pandemic, you were the light in my darkness. You give me the strength to
keep moving forward. They call you a pandemic baby, but you are so much more than that,
you are my reason for seeing the light at the end of the long dark tunnel.
All you know is your parents. But one day you will meet your grandparents, aunts and
uncles who will spoil you and love you just as much as I do. It takes a lot of patience and
perseverance to get through this pandemic. It has been one crazy year living in a lockdown.
As each day passes, it gets a little bit easier. The sun will continue to shine and brighten our
dark days, and soon my precious baby boy we shall see the world together.

I love you so much.