People can tell you, try to prepare you. You can watch it on tv, see it in movies and dream about it even while you're pregnant, but there's no explanation that can come close to describing the moment you bring a child into the world. There's this huge ten month build up, all the showers, you read all the books, visit the websites and then just like that- here she is, and all of a sudden my heart and my family feel complete. Emerie is amazing. She's our small wonder and this incredible combination of Ant and I at our very best. They laid her on my chest - shortly after she almost ripped my entire ass off- and I was so overwhelmed with love and shock and amazement at what I'd just done. Naturally I wasn't the only party involved. Ant was outstanding the entire week leading up to the blessed event and he was more than I ever could have imagined during labor. He should teach classes! Em has already forever changed him and given him a whole different perspective and purpose life. He's up for every feeding, he changes diapers, he sings to her, rocks her, and when she lays on his chest, it's the most beautiful and natural thing I've ever witnessed. God has brought this tiny little miracle into our lives and we'll never be the people we were on August 20th. As of August 21st at 7:44pm, we became Emerie's mom and dad.
Geez, couldn't stay sentimental for that long! Let me give all you mom's to be and those who plan on it someday the low down on the throw down. Labor is the hardest work you'll ever do. I mean that in every respect possible. They should give you a medal of honor and a ceremony after. I mean, yes you get to keep the new love of your life, but wow -is there also a free car or $10,000 bonus or something?! So they show you that one set of three pushes on tv, but that's not the case in the least. Try to prepare- I dare ya!
The hospital stay. No. Rest. None. Yes, you should let your newborn go to the nursery, I totally agree with that. But good God, you might as well keep her with all the people who come in every second of your stay. I assure you you'll meet Joyce, Gladys, Linda, Lori, Hannah, DeAnna, Debbie, Julie, Deserae and Jolanda and they'll want to check your vitals, take your blood pressure, drop off your medicine, give you giant diapers, see if you pooped yet, bring your newborn, take pictures, check their hearing, give you updates on things, get your order for breakfast and generally make sure you can't rest for a single straight hour. Good luck to you on that! They really do take excellent care of you. It's just more than I signed up for!
Any who, those are the pics we have of Em so far and they'll be many more to follow! Shout outs to Lees on the cookie bouquet! It's so pretty and couldn't have come at a better time. I just wanted to update my blog because I know sooooo many of you have called or texted and wanted to come by or talk, and I just haven't had ANY time. Baby equals big adjustments. She has a little Joundus, so we're on a strict feeding schedule and we've got doctor's appointments and stuff the next couple of days. But, we're looking forward to seeing people this weekend and having everyone visit with the baby! We're just a tiney winey bit overwhelmed and sleep deprived. We love and appreciate all the support though. Love you guys, many more updates to follow... or so I think. Until next time, it's just another day in the life.
A very special day.
