Happiness Is...

Happiness is...

• 6 hours of labor
• The perfect epidural
• 3 minutes of pushing
• 6 pounds, 9 ounces of the most perfect little girl I ever laid eyes on!
• A newborn's cries
• Waking up in the morning with a fresh baby in your arms
• Sweet rosebud lips
• Long, slender fingers
• Ten tiny toes
• Silky newborn skin
• Soft brown hair
• Big eyes, bright and alert
• Seeing my own characteristics in her, and Daddy's, too!
• Watching her turn to the sound of my voice
• A good nurser
• Coming home to my own bed
• A sweet, swaddled bed buddy
• Big sisters and brother so happy to welcome their baby sister
• Mellow!!!
• A baby who fell right into routine
• 6 hours of solid sleep every night
• Virtually no fussing!
• Lots and lots of dirty diapers
• Cuddles around the clock
• Knowing that this little miracle was deemed a medical impossibility
• A precious, daily reminder that all things are possible with God!

Welcome to the world, little Sweet Pea! We are so blessed to call you ours!

Ticking Time Bomb

38 weeks, 2 days
Dilated 3 cm.
50% effaced.
BFF arrives from California on Sunday night to be here for the birth (We moved up her ticket to get her here sooner, at the advice of my doctor).
Flat on my back until then, praying she makes in time!!!
Once her feet hit the Florida soil (or the carpet of the jet bridge), this show can roll!

Savoring each kick, roll, and stretch in my belly, knowing this is the last time I'll be feeling these things.
Bags packed and ready.
Friends on stand-by to take the kiddos for us.
Gas tank full in the van.
Car seat and diaper bag waiting by the door.
Excited older siblings, asking me every morning, "Is today the day?"
Big sister/Big brother t-shirts puff painted by four antsy sisters and one twitterpated big brother.
Custom made Daddy t-shirt (with all six kids' names on it) proudly packed in Daddy's bag.
Custom made Sweet Pea's Daddy hat (I put her real name on it) secretly stowed in my bag to give to Daddy when Baby Girl makes her grand entrance.
Hip pain. Back pain. Pelvic pain.
Frequent but irregular contractions.
Fatigue like crazy.
Excitement, mixed with tears.
Anticipation.

We're ready to have a baby! Little Girl, we can't wait to meet you!

April

Happy Sweet Pea month to me!!!
Before I turn the calendar page again, I will be holding my new girl in my arms.

My body is definitely getting ready. The contractions have dramatically increased in the last two days. I can't walk without waddling anymore. I have huge pressure and pain down low. There are other symptoms, too that let me know that Baby Day is drawing very near.

I can hardly wait!!!