I've dreamed of being a mommy for as long as I can remember, and on a hot day in June last year, I found out that dream would soon become reality! Instantly our lives were altered. For 9 months, our every thought seemed to revolve around the impending arrival of this baby. Boy or Girl? What will she look like? Buffalo stripes or polka dots for the crib skirt? I experienced an array of emotions from elation to trepidation. Mood swings have been in full force, to say the least! Finally the day had arrived and we were off to the hospital to welcome our precious girl.
Lee and I both prepared some goodies for each other. Lee definitely knows the way to my heart-jewelry, beer, and flowers!
And I to his-food!!!
We got to the hospital at 7:30am. Little did I know how hard the next 11 hours would be! My doctor broke my water at 8:30 and things were slow-moving. By 12 I was in tears and simply could not bear any more contractions. I had no intentions of going au natural, but we wanted to wait as long as possible before the epidural. Once it kicked in, I was reasonably comfortable for a few hours. I fell asleep at 4 and woke up at 5 once again feeling the contractions {Owwww} and almost ready to push.
At 6:20 pm this beautiful blessing finally made her appearance. And the entire outside world just disappeared.
Holding your 1st child for the first time is an experience that really can't be put into words. Our love for her is immeasurable. While I can't say I've "forgotten" about the pain and discomfort of pregnancy, child birth, and recovery, I can say it is so worth it.
I had nothing to eat or drink since lunch the previous day, so an ice cold diet coke and sleeve of thin mints were ready and waiting for me!
We are completely enamored with her and in awe of her every move, sound, and facial expression.
I never knew how much I love this man until I saw him with our daughter. He's been the most amazing husband and daddy.
The 3 of us made it through our first night in the hospital while day 2 of life with Finlay greeted us with visitors and lots of kissing & staring:)
Saturday was the big day! We got to take our sweet girl home. Mommy and baby both had on our "going home" outfits. Even daddy had on purple in honor of his girl!
If I thought I was emotional during pregnancy, post-pregnancy hormones are off the charts. I unexpectedly burst into tears several times a day & often feel overwhelmed with such strong emotions. Even so, our first week as a family of 3 has been a dream, and I'm soaking up every.single. moment. As they will soon be just memories. I'm all too aware of how fast the time passes, so I intend to cherish every minute {even at 3am}!
Finlay was born weighing 7 pounds & 10 ounces with a head full of dark hair. We're not quite sure where the hair came from, but it sure is cute! She's absolutely beautiful and the sweetest thing I've ever held in my arms. Sleeping is her most favorite passtime. She wakes up to eat and once in a while explore her surroundings and entertain us with her many facial expressions. We decided on her name as soon as we knew she was a little girl. There is no family linkage or special meaning, just something we thought was pretty and original. I must say, it suits her perfectly:)
Life is forever changed.
