Lock Down

Its been a long time since I had a baby. I haven't even been on a maternity ward since my youngest appeared 14 years ago. Things have changed! Mark told me that when we got to the second floor of St Mary's in Troy, we should pick up the phone and tell them who we wished to visit and that the password was NOSEDROPS. Password? OK.

When we finally pulled into the parking lot around 8:30 pm, we took the elevator to the second floor - the Birthing Center - and sure enough, there was a huge firedoor with a small wire covered window next to which was a wall phone. I picked up the receiver and told the nurse who we wanted to see and the password. She buzzed us in.

All the doors on the floor were shut. We knocked on 210, and in a minute, Mark peeked out at us. Soon we were meeting little Ramseyes Lucien - all 6 lbs 14 oz of him. Cute as a button with fine dark hair. And around his left leg a metal tag that would set all sorts of alarms off if he left the room without his little crib bed.

Good Lord! I had no idea baby trafficking was such a big business! The nurses watched us carefully, buzzing in and out of the room, glancing us over, deciding whether we were risks or not. When we took Mark out for a bite to eat, he had to tell them where he was going and when he would return. Whew!

We didn't stay too long - Mom was tired and son was sleeping. I assumed we could at least leave the floor without assistance, but as soon as we touched the crash bar, alarms went off. Nurses scurried from everywhere, and as soon as they knew what was happening, they called security who were already on their way. I felt like some criminal. I apologized profusely. The nurses grudgingly waved us out.

All I can say is, having a baby isn't what it used to be! But I am glad Mother and Baby are doing fine and will be home tomorrow.