Starting with the visit we had on Thursday, I was getting really excited only to find out that nothing had changed from the previous week. I was having contractions and doing everything I could to help get me past 2 cm dilated, but Lilly was on a schedule of her own. The doctor advised that walking was a wonderful way to help bring on labor, and Paul and I walked about ten miles along with learning a little about disc golf! We went to Paul’s work to discover that they had thrown us a surprise shower, and my mood quickly changed back to excitement. I’ve said all along that this feels like Christmas with the world’s most wonderful gift coming, but you have to wait so long to open the package!!!
I began to show signs that labor was soon to come by losing the cervix plug over most of the weekend, and I thought that everything was headed in the right direction. I became alarmed when the sign of true labor hit me, and I had no idea what it was. We went to the doctor to discover that I was in labor, but the best thing was that I wasn’t feeling any of those pains you see women kicking, screaming and threatening to dismember their husbands. We went to the hospital to be monitored according to the midwife at the office, but all of our excitement began with filling out papers while they started my IV. I can’t tell anyone how excited I was that she was finally coming because there are no words that can describe this overwhelming feeling of true bliss.
I consider myself blessed that I didn’t experience a horrible labor, and I lasted until about 6 or 7 cm before asking for the epidural. The rush of nurses coming in and out started to peak my interest when they monitored Lilly’s heartbeat. She was having a little trouble, and when the pushing started she wanted nothing to do with it! Her health and safety became our first priority, and the doctors began to discuss a c-section.
I remember Tammy’s tear filled eyes when they told us we had to have a c-section, and Paul squeezed my hand a little tighter. Lilly was all I could think about at this point, and I just wanted her to be safe. The tension breaker was when Paul had to get ready for the operating room, and they had to find something to fit him. The first attempt at a jumper failed miserably, but they got the second one down just right!
In the operating room I was more at peace than ever because she was almost here. Paul walked in with the most worried look on his face seeing me laying there completely vulnerable. We had the chance to hear her first moments of crying, and everything seemed to stand still except her. Breathing seemed difficult, and it had to be one of the happiest moments I’ve ever experienced. Happy tears filled my eyes as I heard her cry for the first time, and watching Paul reaction to her made everything that I’d been through for the past nine months and a few hours of labor worth every moment and more.
Seeing Paul hold her for the first time was amazing. I already felt like one of the luckiest people out there with the most caring husband, and something changed when I saw him as a dad for the first time. My love and respect for him has grown more than I could ever imagine, and every moment he has her in his arms I see more than a loving and caring husband; he is a truly amazing dad.
Now we have her home, and we can’t imagine what it would be like without her. She has brought us so much pure happiness that letting her lay down for a nap is one of the hardest things to do. It’s hard to believe that she was once that bump in my belly, and it’s harder to believe that she is really here and ours to keep! She is so beautiful and wonderful, and as every day passes it feels like you love her more than the previous day. It’s incredible to think that you can love someone as much as you love your spouse, and when you add this sweet baby to the picture you love them more than words can express!
I read this and thought what a wonderful mother and wife Laura is. I love my son more than anything in my life and to see him with their lovely new baby and his beautiful new wife, I couldn’t be happier for him. SInce Paul is an only child, I have certainly wondered over the last few months how he will take to caring for a baby since he has had very limited experience (none), but he has been so sweet and loving and I am so proud of him. I know Laura’s mom, Deborah, would be proud of her as well. Laura has an ease about her when she’s caring for Lilly, I guess being the older sister to two brothers has come in handy.
Tom and I just spent a few days with this new little family and loved the experience. I was able to hold Lilly, all by myself, and bond with her in a way I will never forget, and I thank her new parents for that. Kilar tried to bond with Lilly as well, but we kept it to her just getting familiar with Lilly’s feet, which I think she enjoyed! Tom also found his nitch with Lilly, he was the entertainment that kept her awake when Laura needed her to stay awake in hopes it would help with sleeping at night. It looks like one of Laura’s cats thinks he might be Lilly’s protector. He follows her everytime they take her out of the room he’s in.
We left there Wednesday evening and today and Friday around 4:30pm and I have not called to check on Lilly or Paul or Laura. It’s hard, but I’m trying to give them the time to sleep, eat and bond as a family unit. I will call over the weekend and until then, check this website from time to time.
It was also nice to see Laura and Paul’s friends and family come to the hospital and to the house to see Lilly – I know they were proud to show her off. Paul has tennis on Saturday and as of right now, Laura plans on taking Lilly to watch her Dad play! I know Laura has a tennis dress for her, hope to see a picture of father and daughter in their tennis attire.
Hi
I enjoyed reading your note so much. I have heard so much about you through Laura at what a wonderful person you are (my mom, Ruth, says the same thing), plus being a fabulous mother-in-law. I wish Debbi could have been here to witness all the joy and happiness and all the hugs and kisses. How exciting it all is.
My husband, Bob, and I will be in Soddy-Daisy visiting my Mom the week of Memorial Day. I can’t wait to see her. I hope that it is a good time for Laura and Paul (and Lilly) for us to come up for an afternoon or morning to see them all and just delight in this new little person. I would love so much to meet you and Tom as well, but I know you live quite a distance from Laura so I’m not sure how that would work out.
Maybe this computer-speak will have to do us for awhile. I rather enjoy getting to know everyone this way. Paul should write a book – he is so funny and has such a delightful way of expressing himself. I wish I could do as well.
Have a lovely day. I’m recuperating from some outpatient surgery so am home one more day just getting a little rested up. I think though that I am going to have to go back to work to get rested though. For some reason our two dogs are going crazy with barking at all the sounds going on outside. We humans can’t hear those sounds, however.
Take care –
“Aunt Amy”