Just Another Everyday Miracle

Sunday morning felt like any other Sunday; church, afternoon brunch, and home for naps. My dad came over to deliver some shelves for our bedroom, and our neighbors came by to talk to Finley. It was a full house and a beautiful afternoon. Around 3, after everyone had cleared out, I felt a strong pain in my side, that seemed to reoccur with some frequency. Of course, I was elated because I knew the chances were good that I would be meeting my child soon. I told Ted to pack his bags while I briefed Grammy on Fin's schedule.

We got to the hospital around 5, as I was gracefully groaning (as if that's possible). I didn't have to labor long before I was given the epidural. I love how it feels to lay in the hospital bed after the epidural sets in. My legs went numb, my contractions disappeared, and my body was so relaxed...pure bliss. I could have taken a nap, if I hadn't been so anxious to meet my child. We didn't have to wait long. Ryder William popped out his head at 9:34, after only 20 minutes of pushing. I do believe that delivering babies may be the greatest experiences I will have on this side of heaven. Nothing compares to that feeling of having your newborn placed on your lap for the first time. 14 weeks of nausea, 4 months of hip and back pain, 35 sleepless nights, 2 hours of strenuous cramping, and 20 minutes of complete exertion, all completely worth it when you see that baby crying. Ted and I were again in tears, overwhelmed with joy and relief to see a healthy baby boy. That night, I laid in the hospital bed thinking, "I LOVE giving birth!" Such a rush of pure excitement and joy. The next morning, as the epidural had worn off, I thought to myself, "I hate giving birth..." Now, I remember how your body feels like it got hit by a frieght train.

Ryder is getting used to his new home. I have really been spoiled with lots of help from Ted's parents. They are staying with us through the beginning of January, and I couldn't be more thankful. They cook us meals, fold loads of laundry, change poopy diapers, bag leaves, and entertain Finley. They were really brave to take on such a huge transition for us, and have been completely selfless in the process. Finley is still undecided on how she feels about baby Ryder. She was alittle upset the first time that I fed him, but has grown more used to it with time. She gets a lot of attention from her grammy and papou right now...not sure what will happen when they leave. From time to time, she will pat on Ryder and feed him his passy. She is also now mothering all of her stuffed animals (changing their diapers, wrapping them in blankets, and giving them passies). It's sweet to see that side of her come out.

I used to fear that I might not feel as connected or endeared to this new child as I have been with Finley, especially if it were a boy. But, that hasn't been the case. He is so unbelievably precious. Even though he pees on me at least once a day, I often sit with him in my lap and think how lucky I am to be given such a gift. It's hard to believe that I am now the mother of two!