The day you decided to join us was a chilly but clear November day. It was the day of my last baby shower and the idea you could come that day was just something people talked about to be funny. Who knew it would actually happen!
I crawled- nay, rolled like a beached whale- out of bed that morning with the usual aches and pains of my pregnancy. I could hardly walk from the pain and pressure in my pelvis. I couldn't hardly put my shoes on because of the big balloon of a belly that I sported. Everything was big and swollen and there was no room inside me to even take a deep breath. Braxton hicks were occasionally making an appearance just as they had been everyday for the last couple weeks. I took forever trying to find something to wear over my large bump with no idea that it would be my last time getting ready pregnant with you.
As we made the long drive to Elba, you made sure we knew you were there. You were kicking and bouncing like crazy. It was no fun for my ribs and other squished organs but we enjoyed watching and feeling you say hello. We thought maybe you were excited for your shower, but looking back I think you were getting anxious to come and meet us.
The shower was lovely and people were so generous with your gifts. You are definitely spoiled! As the shower began to slow and come to an end I began getting stronger and stronger contractions. I took note but didn't think they could mean anything because they weren't painful. They continued to get stronger and I felt more and more pressure as a couple hours passed. I began timing them and found they were getting closer and closer together. Your grandpa was so funny and googled foods that induced labor. I soon had a cup full of pineapple in my hand. Good thing too, because that was the last thing I would eat for a very long time. After talking with your grandparents I became more convinced that maybe I was in labor and we decided to at least go get checked at the hospital. Better to be safe than sorry and end up going all the way back to Dietrich only to be in labor and have to turn around.
We called family and let them know that we were on our way in to find out if you were coming. I was so excited but also so nervous. As we got closer to the hospital the contractions became even more intense. When we finally pulled up to the hospital your dad said a prayer and then gave me a blessing. After the blessing I felt much more calm and ready for whatever was about to transpire. I felt at peace and ready to find out if you were coming.
Once inside I was hooked up to to monitor your heart rate and my contractions. We waited an hour to see if I was progressing and if it was the real deal. Sure enough it was! We were so excited not to be sent home. It was finally happening and we were about to meet you! The next few hours were slow and so was my progression. I recieved my epidural before the pain even got too bad. In those few hours your dad and I tried (unsuccessfully) to get some rest. (Looking back I would've tried a lot harder).
They then gave me a small dose of pitocin and within the next hour I went from a 6 to a 10! I couldn't believe it when the nurse said I was done. We were so close to meeting you! Your dad and I enjoyed our last few minutes as a family of two while waiting for the nurse to get things ready. It was bittersweet, but we were so excited to see you!
I pushed for one long hour and then you were here at 5:39 am November 26th! They let Dad cut the cord and then you were promptly placed on my chest. Your eyes were wide open just looking around at the world and at us. I tried to take everything in from your button nose to your tiny toes. I just wanted to soak you in. I couldn't believe that you were here and that you were ours! You had swallowed a lot of fluid so after a few minutes they took you to remove the fluid and get you cleaned up and weighed. You weighed 8 lbs 14 oz and measured 21 inches long! (so glad you came early sis). Soon you were back in my arms all bundled up in a blanket.
The next few hours passed by in a blur for me. Family came to see you and hold you. Your grandparents, uncles and aunts and even little cousins Gavin and Wade. You were already so loved and adored. Soon things settled and we were put in a different room where it was calm and quiet.
Your daddy and I were finally able to have you to ourselves. It was a really special moment just to enjoy you. Our first time together just the three of us. Light was coming through the window and it felt to good to be in that other room. You were calm and bundled up. We just laid there staring at you; marveling that we had created such a beautiful little girl.
You are such a blessing in our lives and I'm amazed that we were blessed to care for you. It hasn't been easy but you are worth every long night and fussy day. You are worth the tears and the worry because you also bring so many smiles and joy to our home. We love you Lucy Paige. Welcome to the family.
Love,
Your Mama
