I remember when we told both of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends about you. I remember the look of joy on their faces.
I remember that awful morning sickness that never happened in the morning, only at night. I remember your daddy feeling bad for me and hoping it would pass quickly, which it did.
I remember our first doctors visit and seeing your tiny little heart beat on that screen. I remember the sound of that heartbeat. I remember the prayers I said for you.
I remember the first time I felt you kick. I had just vacuumed the house and I sat down on the couch and there you were. Those kicks got bigger and stronger. I loved those kicks.
I remember when they told me that you were a girl. I remember the smile on your daddy's face. We went to Babies R Us right after your appointment and I looked at all of the little girl things.
I remember all of your baby showers and decorating your nursery. I remember thinking that my belly couldn't get any bigger. I remember eating Oreos in a bowl with milk and the look on your daddy's face when I would finish my plate and start eating off of his.
I remember the day before you were born. I went to work and had a few cramps here and there. I had a doctors appointment that afternoon and you were super healthy and happy in there. Your daddy and I ate dinner and Buffalo Wild Wings and then had yogurt for dessert. We went home and took a walk around the neighborhood. I called my parents when we got home and the first thing my dad said was "are you in labor"... I remember laughing at him because you were not due for two more weeks.
I remember that contraction that woke me up at 3 am. I remember telling your daddy that my water broke a few minutes later. I called the midwife and she told me to try and rest and to go to the hospital first thing in the morning. I remember taking a shower and your daddy was trying to time my contractions. I remember him telling me that they were every 2 minutes. I was trying to pack a bag for the hospital but I had to keep stopping because of the pain. I remember throwing the birth notes I took at the birthing class across the bed in frustration because they did not line up with what was going on.
I remember talking to my mom between contractions and her telling me that it was definitely time to go to the hospital.
I remember that car ride. Boy do I remember that car ride. Your daddy drove so fast I felt like I was in an airplane. I told him that I didn't want to do this and he told me you were ready to come and that it was going to be ok.
I remember getting to the hospital at 5 am. I remember all of the contractions I had in the lobby and the look on the mans face that was checking us in.
I remember when the nurse told me I was 9 cm dilated as soon as I got into a room. I remember how calm she was and how she told me it was going to be ok and that I was going to meet you real soon.
I remember pushing for almost 3 hours. I asked your dad for water every 5 seconds. He held my hand and helped me breathe. And finally, the midwife told me to look down and I pulled you to my chest.
I remember that feeling. That feeling of calmness and relief. That feeling of overwhelming love and joy. That feeling of your tiny little body against my chest. A moment that I will cherish forever.
The day you were born was one of the most precious moments of my life. A life changing day for your daddy and I. You have grown and grown and grown. You have such a kind heart and I love that about you. We are so proud to be your parents. Happy 5th birthday Lilly Bug.
