Seriously, 5? Really?

Grace, about 1 week old, October 2003

Grace (below) first day of Pre-K, August 2008

My thoughts are drifting back to five years ago. You see five years ago today I was in the hospital laboring with Grace. The contractions had started pretty heavily Sunday evening. After a sleepless night where they stayed about 7-10 minutes apart, I called the doctor Monday morning and begged her to see me and then admit me :-)



My mom picked me up and drove me to Dr. Moore's office where she confirmed, that yes, I was 3 centimeters dilated and if I'd like to be admitted to the hospital, she would send me right over. It didn't take more than a second for me to agree to that plan, and by about 10 am, Monday, September 29, 2003, I was experiencing peaceful rest for the first time in over 12 hours. The epidural is seriously man's greatest invention!



After that, labor was fun! I had visitors, laughed and talked, got checked routinely. It was great. Until midnight when it was FINALLY time to push. She had taken a while to get into position. First babies can sometimes present quite a marathon for mothers, and Gracie was no different. I started pushing around midnight and quickly tired of that.



This was where my decision to invite everyone into the delivery room might've been a little ridiculous because now I had plenty of cheerleaders, but only one pusher! I'm sure that the entire family scenario may shock some of my readers, but I had been so eagerly awaiting my firstborn that I couldn't wait to invite everyone into my joy!



I kept pushing. The doctor kept coming and going. Every time I watched her leave I knew that I still wasn't close enough to make her stay. It got to the point that I'm pretty sure I napped in between pushes and contractions because I was so tired, and my back hurt sooooo badly. Finally, after three different vaccuums and 2 1/2 hours of pushing, Grace Joy made her appearance at 2:13 a.m. Tuesday, September 30. I think I gasped, "I actually did it!" and promptly fell back on my pillow asleep. The next thing I remember is Brent holding her and giving her her first feeding. I didn't even have the strength to hold her at that point. She was so precious, and BIG! 8 pounds, 2 ounces - the same birth weight I was when I was born. Wow!



It's funny how those moments remain etched in mothers' brains. Hard to forget the day your life changed forever, and you realized, it is definitely not about me anymore. Gracie Joy was a delightful baby and I'm profoundly grateful she made me a mother five years ago. It's been and will continue to be a most amazing journey.



Grace, I love you so much. You are a treasure! Happy 5th Birthday!

Love, Mom