Friday, November 9, 2012

Love at first sight

As you may have heard Malia made her grand entrance into the world on Thursday, October 25th, 2012 at 9:36pm.  Before I get into how beautiful she is and how our lives are forever changed I will bring you all up to date on our birth story.  

This is me at our 39 week appointment...
Little did I know our daughter would be here 3 short days later!

I was having contractions all week that were not painful.  I kept googling and asking friends how I would know if they were "real" contractions or not.  All they kept saying was, "Oh, you will know!"  And, come to find out, they were right.  I should have known when we went to sleep on the 25th that something was up.  Our dogs, Floyd and Sugar, had been acting differently for the prior couple days.  On this particular night though they would not leave me side, literally.  Here is a picture of how they fell asleep.  

 Our bed (where I was laying) on the right and the bassinet on the left.  
Sugar's head is fully under the bassinet.  
They have never slept like this before or again.

At 2am, I knew that my contractions were different than they had been prior.  Painful and close together.  I downloaded a contraction app to keep track and laid in bed until Aaron woke up around 6:30am.  He had a professional development training at work so he actually slept in later than usual.  When he started talking about his day I told him I didn't think he should go to the training and that I was pretty sure he was going to meet his daughter that day.  We were both excited but calm.  We took our time getting ready, we showered, I put on makeup, fixed my hair and we arrived at the hospital at 8:30am. 

Around 11am we were finally admitted the labor and delivery.  I was in quite a bit of pain (although none of that yelling and moaning you see on TV!).  Around noon I got an epidural.  What a relief that was!!  I spent the next several hours laboring until around 8:00pm when it was time to push.  Malia arrived shortly after 9:30.  If I could describe our birth story in only one word it would be, peaceful.  Yes, peaceful.  We had such an amazing team of doctors and nurses that made the entire process smooth and comfortable.  I had the most kind, patient, loving coach in Aaron.  He took such excellent care of me.  We had lots of extended family waiting for her arrival.  They showered her and us with such love, and waited all day at the hospital for her to be born.  I could not have asked for a better birthing experience.  The most amazing part was getting to meet this beautiful little girl.  Our daughter, Malia Joy Moreno.  

 7 lbs 2 oz, 19 3/4 inches, perfect...

 That is one proud daddy

Our girl - Love at first sight!

We spent one short day in the hospital and then we were off.  Off to our new normal, our new life.  It is hard to put into words the overwhelming emotions of love that we have for our daughter.  Even as I try to write about her tears stream down my face.  This is love, this is what I was made to do.  I was made to be Aaron's wife and Malia's mommy, to love and respect him and to protect, love and care for this little girl.  For a long time I struggled with what my purpose was, I always tied my purpose to my career.  I thought if I got one more degree, a promotion, a raise that would fulfill me.  Little did I know God had an even greater calling on my life.  I am so thankful for His will and this life that He has blessed me with.  I can not wait to see all that God has in store for Malia and for our family.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for this little girl and for our family.  We are blessed!

Headed home from the hospital, first car ride, first breath of fresh air... 
Here's to many more firsts for this beautiful girl!