happily ever after

Five years ago I was just starting to feel good contractions. My first pregnancy and I had been in labor all day and wasn't sure what was really "it" or what what just building up to the big moment. I labored all night at home and the next day I called my doctor to get her opinion. She said to head down in an hour, so I did what any women would do. I showered, shaved, and got completely ready because inside I was freaking out.  It was May 28th and I was four days shy of my due date. We knew that we were welcoming a baby girl, but her name was still unpicked. We got to the hospital at 2:30 pm and I was already dilated to a 4 and my water was close to breaking. We were sent right up to L&D where within 4 hours I was ready to push. I had it all planned. The yoga ball was there, Jack Johnson and Donovan were playing on our ipod, I had Hogan Knows Best playing in the background... (I even can remember the episode :) ) I began pushing, at first I had no idea what I was doing and the epidural made me so numb that I really was laughing through it. After about an hour, they lowered my meds and I started to get what it really felt like. An hour later we were still pushing. I kept asking Brandon to go get my car because I was ready to go home. He was such a sweetheart and told me he was on his way. haha. At one point, tears were streaming down my face and I had given up. A nurse kept telling me to focus, and quit crying. I had Brandon kindly ask her to leave :) at 8:26 pm, just six short hours after we arrived our beautiful babygirl came into this world. I will never forget the feeling. It was indescribable. There she was, this little baby that I had felt and talked to for nine months. She was perfect. Weighing in at 9 lbs, 15 oz and 22" long. She was amazing. The doctor looked at me and asked what her name was, I knew right then and there. She was my Chloe. I picked her middle name Jeanne after my grandmother. She was everything that I had ever wanted.
Five years later she is still just as amazing. Tears are now streaming down my face as I type this because I seriously blinked and she is already five. She is my best friend, and she is a kick in the pants. She has the biggest heart, and is always helping my out around the house and with her baby sister. I am in awe of her graciousness and her unwavering and unconditional love for me. I was truly blessed to become her mom and am in denial that she is really going to kindergarten next year. She keeps us on our toes and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thank you Chloe for helping me learn to be a mom, and for giving me a reason. You my dear are a gift to us everyday. xoxo