It was a cold, early morning in December. I hadn't slept much more than 2 hours. The combination of excitement and being terrified occupied every available place in my brain. All I could think was this is really the last time we will leave home just the two of us, we are bringing home a baby....
Our induction was scheduled for 4 am.... (Holy cow!!) We arrive at the hospital, get to L&D only to find out they decided to push us back to 8 am. Are you kidding me? I'm 9 months pregnant, been up almost all night, and you just happened to forget to at least call and tell this??
Once we got there at 8, things went really smoothly. I had a room full of family there supporting me through the whole dang day!!
We waited...and waited... and waited. Finally at 10:58pm my whole entire world was changed, never to ever be the same again... Jake and I were parents.
For days and days, I felt as though I was on a high. I wasn't quite convinced this 8lb 4oz baby girl was truly not leaving and staying here permanently. I felt as though I was having an out of body experience, watching my avatar play with this tiny human.
This precious angel has truly changed my life. I've watched from her first breath all the way up until this very moment, growing and developing. She has taught me humbleness, patience, grace and true love.
She has taught me how beautiful life can be. It still to this day amazes me the beauty of pregnancy, birth and raising this tiny human. It is all very challenging, especially the first time. But somehow, through the groggy, sleepless nights, thousands of diaper changes, numerous clothing changes a day, mommy and baby. Through nothing but sweats and greasy hair and wishing for even 5 min of peace alone. Through the wiping of tears and noses, through the kisses of boo boos and make believe play. Through toys taking over every room of the house and late night cuddles. Through embarrassing grocery store behavior and beautiful colored pictures ... On the wall.
We some how make it.
There is no instruction guide or return policy. But we make it. We grow and we fail and we grow and we fail. But we make it. You ever stop making it. You add to your title list, forever more, parent.
I cannot believe how much of a personality our Shaylee has. I've never see anything quite like it. She has brought so much joy to my life I think about it and tear up. The love of a mother is honestly, indescribable. She has the most intimate, personal bond with her baby. Until you've experienced what it's like, will you ever, truly understand.
This little princess has brought this family so much closer. She is responsible for mounds and mounds of joy and love. She has taught me how incredibly important it is to just relax, and have fun. We are only here in this life for so many years. Why waste them scolding our children for being children? I'm reminded of the song "Let them be little" because honestly, they are only that way for awhile. Then they grow, find love, and have their own families... In the blink of an eye.
Shaylee has taught me to cherish now. To cherish what we are handed right now. She has no fear of tomorrow, she only knows now. How incredibly inspiring?!
As I sit and remember 12/16/2011, tears fill my eyes. My sweet, precious, genuine, caring, beautiful child is now a big girl. She is already getting more independent and learning her own way to do things.
Two. I can't believe she is two.
As we celebrate this joyous time, I'm very proud of the daughter I've raised thus far. My wish for this next year is to really not take any moment for granted and to have fun and be careless (appropriately) like a 2 year old!
Life is just too short!
Happy Birthday princess, we love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment