On The Night You Were Born...

On Thursday, four days before you were born, we went for our weekly doctor's appointment. The doctor, the resident, the nurse, and even the receptionist all assured us that your arrival was imminent. We left full of nervous anticipation. Max spent the next few nights with his grandparents due to a church commitment and our belief that you would be here any minute! Mommy and Daddy spent the next few days in a holding pattern. We timed contractions. We waited. We timed contractions. We waited. We called Mimi with constant updates. We waited.

By Sunday, we were done with the waiting. Life resumed our normal schedule with family walks and a play date for Max. We made not-so-nice comments about the doctor who had gotten our hopes up. After wishing Auntie Sally a happy birthday and assuring Mimi that nothing was happening, something did begin to happen. The contractions began to last longer and grow more intense. However, we were still unsure if it was real this time. Close to 11:00 pm, we had Mimi come over and left for the hospital.

At the hospital we were greeted by Dr.Walvoord, the same doctor we had seen at our last appointment and my favorite in the practice. Her response to our appearance was, "I've been waiting all day to see you here." After assuring us that we would be having a baby, we were quickly moved to a room. Babba went to stay with Max and Mimi came to the hospital to be with us. More waiting. Right before delivery, we were on the phone issuing instructions to Babba and Aunt Deanna about operating the tv for Max and not allowing him to have ice cream for breakfast. A few "trial" pushes indicated that you were ready to make your debut. The nurse deadpanned to Daddy, "Should we call the doctor now?" as you started to make your appearance. A few "real" pushes later (after the doctor came back) and you were here at 8:59 am on April 11th!

The entire hospital experience was completely opposite from your brother's birth. I was able to nurse you immediately and spend the "Magic Hour" holding you and marveling at your perfection. You stayed in our room the entire time. We could snuggle you, change you, show you off, not sleep at night, and walk out of the hospital with you - all the things we missed out on with Max. No emotional upheaval and only tears of joy this time. You were in perfect health and already quite chunky with rolls of fat on your legs and plump, pink cheeks. We could not stop gazing at you in awe - our precious, beautiful gift. You were blessed with a wonderful beginning to what we hope will be a wonderful life!