Happy Birthday Big Sister!

Four years ago today, we welcomed our firstborn into the world.

It was a Saturday, the day after our official due date. We were scheduled to induce the following Monday, because I was extremely swollen. But while the hubs was about to start mowing the yard, my water broke. I'm pretty sure I told him he could probably go ahead and at least cut the front yard, that first babies usually take a while, and that I wanted to take a shower before we headed to the hospital. The contractions were starting, but I didn't want to be gross in the hospital (if only I had any idea what was coming!)

I called my midwife, and we headed to the hospital. On the way, we heard Daughters by Jon Mayer. We called my parents, who were already on their way down to help us get ready for Monday. Of course, our girl had other plans. She always does.

It only took 7 hours, from the time labor began until I was holding that scrunched-face perfection in my arms. I gave in and had the epidural; I'm pretty sure now that I've read more about it that I was having terrible back labor, and I just didn't want to be completely miserable when I met her. Of course, I couldn't have been, no matter how hard or painful the labor might have been. She was amazing.

She still is. Four years later, she still has her own agenda. She has the most vivid imagination and astonishing intelligence I have ever seen- and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased! Though she can be quite silly, she can also be very serious. She has the most tender heart. She has the most stubborn head. She can make me laugh, cry, and count to ten to try to salvage patience, all within a few minutes time. I can not wait to see who she becomes.

Seven hours of (rewarding) labor to meet her. Four years of (equally rewarding) laboring to guide & love her to the best of my abilities.

I am blessed.

Happy birthday to my huge-hearted, hilarious daughter.