Happy Birthday, Ann Elise!
Six years ago my Wednesday started out pretty normal. I was still two weeks away from my due date and had a lengthy "To Do" list I was plowing through. I remember Wes and I heading to Wal-Mart around lunch time. I was checking off a grocery list that would allow me to make and freeze several meals for our family before the baby's arrival. I had a few contractions while walking around pushing that heavy buggy. But nothing serious. After all, I was induced with my first child. We swung by BSU after our shopping trip and hung out for a little bit. While sitting at Kris' desk I had one of the biggest contractions to date...was talking to the BSU intern at the time and had to stop talking while it passed. But, hey, it wasn't that bad. After all, I was induced with my first child. We headed home and had a normal afternoon. I got the groceries put away and started preparing for supper. Cheesy Rotel Chicken Soup was on the menu. Kris made it home from work and he and Wes were having a good ol' time. I was in the kitchen chopping the rotisserie chicken - the last ingredient to complete our supper - when I began to notice I was having contractions. I kept plugging along. Then I realized...these may actually be coming in a pattern. So, Kris and I started watching the clock, and yes, there was a pattern. We called the hospital and they assured me it could be nothing. Take a Tylenol and get off my feet. After all, I was induced with my first child. While sitting on the couch "resting" the contractions continued to come and were getting closer together. I decided to go ahead and take a shower "just in case" we went to the hospital. I never expected to stay because, after all, I was induced with my first child. The whole time I was in the shower the contractions were getting more fierce. I can remember shaving through them. I can remember hollering to Kris (standing right outside the shower door with a stop watch in hand) when another one started. We decided we definitely needed to go...the contractions were right at 3 minutes a part. I got myself ready, we called Kris' parents to come up to the house and watch Wes while we casually went to the hospital to make sure I wasn't in labor. After all, I was induced with my first child. We left our house at approximately 7:45 that night and drove straight to the ER. I can remember telling Kris that the county really needed to get on the ball and repave their roads. I can remember grabbing the handle above the passenger seat of our '97 Honda Accord and squeezing as tight as I could while breathing through each contraction. I can remember Kris casually driving up to the automatic doors of the ER and walking me to the desk (he left the car running - after all, I had been induced with my first child). The lady started asking questions as to how could she help. I don't remember her finishing her question before she figured it out and called for a transport. A nice, young, aide arrived with a wheelchair and within seconds started pushing me in the direction of the OB. Kris left me at that point to go park the car. He would just see me upstairs. After all, I was induced with my first child. I continued to have very uncomfortable contractions while my hips were squeezed in that collapsible wheelchair (also not the un-bumpiest of rides!). When we got to the floor they wheeled me into a preliminary exam room. No big deal. Just a quick check. The nurse didn't even have me put on a gown. After all, I was induced with my first child. She started to check me. I was watching her face as it went w - h - i - t - e. She then casually says, "Um, let me go get the other nurse and see what she thinks." Uh, OK. The second nurse comes in, checks me, and her eyes become as big as saucers, and she says "Girl, you're complete! Let's have a baby!" And about this time Kris walks in from the parking garage. Talk about thrown in the fire! After he heard those words he jumped in and followed along for the ride! He didn't have time to ask any questions. I think he just focused on keeping his composure. I am pretty sure terror was all over my face! They got me out of my clothes and into a gown and hurriedly wheeled me into the delivery room. I remember a swarm of people ascending on my room and working like crazy setting up monitors, taking vitals, asking me questions, etc. I remember thinking and even voicing...I don't do this without drugs! To which they gently and calmly replied...you'll be fine! I remember the OB on call coming up to my side of the bed and asking me my name, who was my doctor, had I had any complications during this pregnancy, etc. I'll spare you anymore details, but the doctor kept me from pushing for another second or two until she was in her place. And within a minute we heard the most precious words..."IT"S A GIRL!"...at 8:10pm (25 minutes after we left our house).
I remember looking at Kris in awe
- that I had lived through natural childbirth
- it was over just.like.that.
(February 2005 - days old)
(November 2010 - 5 years old)What are you afraid of? mascots
What are you good at? climbing
What is your favorite food? chicken nuggets
Where is your favorite place to go? McDonald's
What does God help you with? obeying my parents
What is your favorite Bible story? "you know the one about the supergirl who gave Joshua and those other men a safe place to hide from those big, bad guys and fresh pine straw to sleep on" (Rahab)
What is your favorite color? pink and purple
What would you do if you got to pick the activities for one whole day? watch PBS Kids
What do you want to be when you grow up? painter
What is your favorite memory from your life so far? having birthday parties and getting presents
My sentiments of our only daughter turning six are no different than the ones I posted about her big brother turning eight. Life is flying by. I constantly feel as though their little lives are running water. I am simply cupping my hands to catch it. Yet, it runs through my fingers and spills over the edges. I can't contain it.
I better not tarry with that thought lest another pass me by :)
(September 2010 - 5 years old)You are our sweet doll and love you so very much!
