Okay, okay, so I'm a little late on this post, I know. But I did get the pictures up on Facebook within a day!!!
So it's official; my sweet little baby girl is one. O-N-E. Where did the last year go?
I spent the week up until her birthday trying to help mom out with work (we are slammed right now, thank you Lord) and recounting my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and her first year. So much came to mind.
I still remember like it was yesterday taking the pregnancy test. Eric and I had been trying to get pregnant, and were unsuccessful the first month. It was a Friday, and Cole (22 1/2 months at the time) and I went to Wal-Mart to grocery shop. I picked up the test and a few other items and headed back home. I immediately went to the bathroom when we returned home and took the test. For some reason, I glanced at the test as soon as I put it on the counter, and an overwhelming since of disappointment came over me as it appeared it would be negative again. I went into the living room with Cole for a few minutes and decided to check it one more time just to be sure. To my surprise, it was positive! I literally fell to my knees, crying and praising God. Cole ran into the bathroom saying, "Mommy what wrong?!" Bless his little sweet heart. I, through my tears said, "We're going to have another baby." I pointed to my belly, and he placed his hand on my belly, smiled, and said, "Baby." Eric was on night shift so he was sleeping, but that weekend was Father's Day, and although I could have waited 2 more days to tell him, I couldn't contain my excitement. I went into the bedroom, crawled next to him on the bed, and handed him the pregnancy test, smiled and said, "Happy Father's Day!" He was so excited; he grabbed me, hugged me and kissed me, and couldn't stop smiling. Needless to say, he couldn't go back to sleep.
So it's official; my sweet little baby girl is one. O-N-E. Where did the last year go?
I spent the week up until her birthday trying to help mom out with work (we are slammed right now, thank you Lord) and recounting my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and her first year. So much came to mind.
I still remember like it was yesterday taking the pregnancy test. Eric and I had been trying to get pregnant, and were unsuccessful the first month. It was a Friday, and Cole (22 1/2 months at the time) and I went to Wal-Mart to grocery shop. I picked up the test and a few other items and headed back home. I immediately went to the bathroom when we returned home and took the test. For some reason, I glanced at the test as soon as I put it on the counter, and an overwhelming since of disappointment came over me as it appeared it would be negative again. I went into the living room with Cole for a few minutes and decided to check it one more time just to be sure. To my surprise, it was positive! I literally fell to my knees, crying and praising God. Cole ran into the bathroom saying, "Mommy what wrong?!" Bless his little sweet heart. I, through my tears said, "We're going to have another baby." I pointed to my belly, and he placed his hand on my belly, smiled, and said, "Baby." Eric was on night shift so he was sleeping, but that weekend was Father's Day, and although I could have waited 2 more days to tell him, I couldn't contain my excitement. I went into the bedroom, crawled next to him on the bed, and handed him the pregnancy test, smiled and said, "Happy Father's Day!" He was so excited; he grabbed me, hugged me and kissed me, and couldn't stop smiling. Needless to say, he couldn't go back to sleep.
The pregnancy progressed well. I started showing way early, I guess with it being my second baby, and the doctor thought I was having twins. Since both of our fathers are twins and they are everywhere in my family, Eric and I just knew that was going to happen! We had an ultrasound and confirmed it indeed was just one baby in there. Whew! A few weeks after that, I had a cervical cerclage to help insure that she wouldn't come early, since my cervix tore giving birth to Cole. Then, a few weeks after that, we found out we were having a girl. I remember saying to the tech, "Are you sure, are you sure???" The, I burst into tears. I didn't know how much I wanted a girl until I found out I was having one. Eric beamed with joy, and confessed his life was over. :)
Around 32 weeks, the contractions I had been feeling for weeks began to intensify. I was put on bed rest at around 33 1/2 weeks. I was showing some signs of premature labor, which I cannot tell you how scary that was. I didn't want to have a premature baby...I knew the risks with that. I prayed she would stay put. And she did. In fact, she decided to get so comfortable, that I was finally induced at 39 1/2 weeks. After 8 hours of a most painful labor :) (thank goodness it was shorter than my LONG labor with Cole) Raleigh Jean Michelin was born at 5:59pm on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009. She was the most beautiful baby girl we'd ever laid our eyes on. It was the most beautiful moment along with Cole's birth. There is nothing else like it. It's just beautiful, miraculous, indescribable, breath taking, amazing....priceless.
She has filled our hearts with love and joy over her first year with us. She has grown from a helpless infant to a walking, babbling, witty, friendly, smart little girl. She has the most beautiful deep blue eyes I've ever seen, flawless skin, rosy cheeks, and a little bit of blonde hair. (We're getting there!) I thank God everyday for my baby girl and look forward to what the future holds for her.
Raleigh,
Happy 1st birthday, baby! I am so proud that you are one, and I thank God everyday that He made me your mommy. I'm not sure what I did to deserve the honor, but nevertheless am truly grateful. I love you more than I could ever express. You are so beautiful, so full of life, and you make me want to be a better person. I look forward to all the years and memories we will have together. I pray that God will help me lead you on your path towards Him, and that one day you will choose Him to be your personal Lord and Savior. I love you and hope you had the best first birthday.
All my love,
Mommy
No comments:
Post a Comment