Eight years ago today..

At 9:30am I had been in labor for 13 hours...all night long. Up until that point I had made it without even thinking about the possibility of using any pain medicine...but was getting so tired that I was willing to try anything. I had only dilated to a 3 and was a bit discouraged. My doctor suggested using a bit of Nubaine and although I was hesitant, I was also desperate..so I went ahead with it. The meds didn't work like I thought they were going to. It didn't take away any of the pain...but it sure did make me sleep in between the contractions! I still remember the feeling quite clearly. It felt like I was sleeping for hours..when in reality it was only a matter of about 2 minutes. I remember waking from the sleep as a contraction would come on..and I would call Josh over to me (who at that point would sit down while I slept) and he would hold my hand through yet another contraction, and then give me a sip of my water.

I dilated very quickly from that point and was complete by 11 something. I had no idea that pushing her out was going to take 3 more hours! I remember my doc saying something to the effect of "it must be a girl, because she's being so stubborn". I didn't believe him for a second, I thought sure it was a boy baby in my belly. Finally after trying every trick in the book in addition to some contortionism (and a threat of a potential C-Section)...Jessalyn was born. 2:15 on a Sunday afternoon, 7lbs 3oz and 19.5 inches long...head circumference 97th percentile.

She was perfect. I could NOT believe she was a girl. She got 9 and 9 on her apgars and has been healthy ever since. I do think I was in a bit of shock after her birth..but I was sure that I loved her more than anything I had ever loved before. I remember the first night in the hospital. I had opted that the nurses take her so that I could sleep without worrying...but I could hear her crying and crying. The nurses finally gave up and brought her to me.

I remember it so clearly. Josh was sleeping. Jessalyn was wearing the little white t-shirt that they gave her at birth, a diaper..and the white socks that I brought with me from home. She was so tiny...and fuzzy...and soft and warm. I laid her on my chest while I was partially sitting up in the hospital bed and she stopped crying. She slept there with me so quietly for the rest of the night. It was then that I realized that she wanted ME. She didn't want to eat, didn't need her diaper changed, wasn't uncomfortable...she just wanted to be with me. It was awesome and scary all at the same time.

Bringing her home changed me in ways that I can't even describe. She continues to teach me. She paves the way..literally..for everyone else in the family. She undoubtedly has the hardest job, but so far seems to be taking her job quite well.

Jessalyn is 8 now. She is happy, smart, responsible, loving....she is so many things. She is a good girl.

She was able to celebrate her 8th birthday with 5 of her school friends..two of which slept over. They had a great time being girls.





She then was able to celebrate (along with Luke) with the family..and again, had a great time.







This morning I tried to surprise her with breakfast in bed...but I think she heard me and came down stairs. I told her what I was doing...so she went back to bed and pretended to be sleeping..and then pretended to be surprised with her breakfast! Tonight she will get to choose what to have for dinner. I'm trying to send her subliminal messages....phujee, phujee, phujee:) We'll see. (Luke chose Mc.D's for his birthday dinner so anything should be better than that!).



I am blessed to have Jessalyn as my only daughter.
Happy Birthday Jessalyn Alayna!