26+ Hours I Will Never Forget

This time 2 years ago, I was laying in bed reading Psalms in an effort to find peace for my agitated heart. It was raining outside. I was "15" months pregnant... 2 days past my due date. Despite the Braxton Hicks contractions that had been coming at steady 5 minute intervals, my doctor told me the day before that my baby was at LEAST another week away from arriving. This news had been VERY upsetting to me. I had already used one week of my maternity leave. My time at home was going to be limited once Emily arrived...and the thought of "wasting" another week was unbearable. My parents had already arrived anticipating a 2 week stay. With the latest news from the doctor, they decided that they would only stay the weekend. On Monday, they would head home. They assured me they would stay on standby mode...ready to come as soon as they got the notorious "call". Things were not going as planned...and my nerves were fried. Thus, I could be found curled up in bed, seeking comfort from God that my husband and parents couldn't give (though they were trying!). Finally it came. I truly felt like He told me He had everything under control...and that things would be okay.

This day 2 years ago was also a very important day for my husband. He was to have one of his biggest concerts yet. It was to be held at the Paramount Theater in Anderson. I was very excited for him. Even in spite of how emotional I was, I was very thankful that Emily hadn't chosen to arrive at a time that would keep Aaron from missing his concert. After a power walk at our church with my dad, we headed home to get ready for the big event.

I was determined to look my best that night. Well, as best as one can can get while looking like a bloated whale. :) 3:00pm hit. I was somewhere between completeing the makeup and taking the curlers out. I had this sudden urge to sit down for a few minutes. I went into the living room and sat on the couch only to have a "gas pain" take me by suprise. I don't usually deal with that issue, but...hey...when you're pregnant, you don't ask questions. Your body calls the shots. :) Not giving it any more thought, I hurried to finish getting ready.

I remember the trip to Anderson with my dad. I had 3 or 4 more "gas pains" on the way down. At one point, it finally dawned on me that maybe these weren't gas pains after all. I casually mentioned it to my dad. We still weren't too convinced anything exciting was going on.

The concert was WONDERFUL! I was so proud of my hubby. :) One of the other acts was a comedian. He was hilarious and kept me laughing so hard. Funny... my "gas pains" came right as the comedian would tell his funniest jokes. It's a strange thing...laughing in pain. Halfway through the evening, I (and others around me) finally got the drift that these weren't gas pains...but contractions. My dad and I began to time them. I have to confess, my focus wasn't completely on the concert at this point. :)

By the time the concert was over, the equipment torn down and the trailer loaded, things were getting pretty serious. It wasn't exactly fun and games at that point. We headed back home to Marion where I spent the next several hours crushing Aaron's hand, trying to listen to my Mom's instructions on breathing, and dreading Dad's subtle warnings that his watch indicated another contraction would soon be on it's way. At 1:00AM, our doctor gave us the okay to head to the hospital. At 5:07pm, Emily proved our doctor wrong & decided to join us...26 hours after that first 3:00pm pain.

This past Saturday, we celebrated her 2nd b-day. After the party was over, the house cleaned up & Emily was tucked in her bed asleep, I crept into her room. I sat on her floor and just looked at her. It's so amazing to look at another human being and see a little bit of you and a little bit of your spouse. My thoughts turned to prayers as I thought of her future...and the days she's already graced us with. I regret how quickly the time is flying by. I don't understand how she can be 2 already. However, as I watched her sleep, I couldn't help but get excited and dreaming of the future. Days where b-day lists change from toys to I-Pods. Days where she tells me of the latest drama at school. Days where we sit planning her wedding.

Emily, I just want you to I'm so proud of you! 2 years ago, my world dramatically changed. Though not every moment of motherhood is always "loveable"... I have loved YOU every moment. Your daddy loves you so much too. You take our breath away. You're at a very fun age right now. You're constantly learning new things and making us laugh. Your personality is DEFINITLEY developing and coming through. I so look forward to this next year of your life. I can't wait to see what it holds. I thank Jesus for you everyday, and I can't wait to see the plans He has for you.