The Day that we met our Little Daughter

On Sunday night, March 9th, I settled into the couch to watch another episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." That was when I found out what contractions felt like. After awhile, I called Ted on his bike ride and told him that we needed to head to the hospital. In pure excitement, both of us were dancing around the apartment, packing up necessary (and unnecessary) items. However, the excitement soon died when we learned that I was only 2 cm. dilated, and would be sent back home. I spent the entire night moving back and forth from my bed to the floor, trying to breath through my contractions. The nurse's words kept repeating in my mind: "you may have this baby tomorrow, or this could last for a week." If these contractions persist for a week, they might have to peel me off of the bathroom floor. The next morning, Ted reluctantly left for work as mom showed up to releave him of his nursing duties. She sat with me all morning and afternoon, recording the time and intensity of my contractions. It was certainly a labor of love, watching me groan all day long.

Once the intensity increased, we called the office and decided to go in and get checked. I told Ted not to worry about coming home, since it was probably another false alarm. He was in agreement, until I shreeked and threw down the phone. He was at the apartment in 10 minutes. We loaded up and headed to the promise land. That's when Dr. Waldrep said those magical words, "It's time to have a baby!" Then, she asked if she could pray for us. I will really cherish the memory of holding hands in the doctor's office with Ted and Dr. Waldrep, listening to her pray for God's protection in the delivery room.

When the anesthesiogists walked in, it was love at first sight! I've never been so happy to see someone with a needle. The epidural was pure bliss! I was having contractions that flew off the charts, and taking a nap at the same time. One by one, all 11 of my family members walked into the room. It was such a gift that God allowed this day to occur when both of my brothers, their wives, their kids, and mom and dad could all be there. Heath, my five year old nephew, told the nurse, "we have been so patient waiting for this baby! Did you know that patience is a fruit of the spirit?" Blake, who just turned six, jumped in the conversation by listing the fruit of the spirit. How sweet to see my two nephews preaching the word while I was in labor. I think the nurses were a little surprised at the party developing in my labor room. It cleared out pretty quick though, once the nurse announced that she needed to check my cervix.

The actual delivery was extremely emotional for me and Ted. When Dr. Waldrep announced that we had a baby girl, both of us broke out into tears. Actually, we were completely sobbing. I was fully convinced that we were having a boy, from all of the commentary about the way I was carrying it. Ted and I had even bought a couple of blue items, without even thinking twice about it. Although I would have loved having a son, there was definitely a hidden desire in my heart that this baby would be a girl. Ted claims that he knew it all along, and maybe he did, but I was in complete shock!

I don't think I have ever experienced a moment in my life with as much joy as that moment. It was truly undescribable. Not only was I overjoyed at the thought of having a baby girl, I was amazed that God had allowed something so miraculous to happen to me. When Dr. Waldrep placed Finley on my lap, I was on such a mountain top that I had no idea what to do. My brain just froze. I laugh when I look back at the picture, because I don't know why I didn't just pull her up in my arms.

Dad and I spent a few minutes holding her, staring at her, and of course, crying. We are such saps. As I'm sure it is for most couples, this whole journey has been such an intimate experience for us. It has truly made me love Ted more deeply than ever before. After awhile, the family poured in to meet her. All of the kids lined up at my bed, excited to see her little face. I felt so encouraged by their excitement.

Finley, your arrival reminded me of the message given to us in 1 Corinthians 2:9, that "no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those that love Him." Your dad and I are so amazed that God chose to bless us by bringing you in our lives. March 10th...a day we will never forget.