the arrival part 2

Pushing began around 4:15AM and from what I hear, it was pretty textbook for a first time mom with an epidural. I must say, numbness in ones legs is the most bizarre feeling in the world! Thankfully I had my wonderful husband and a great nurse to hold up the ol' dead legs or else things would have gotten real interesting. Of course pushing was exhausting and I just couldn't believe that any progress was being made. Finally, towards the end, I caved and let them bring in a mirror, which actually helped. Never would I have ever thought I would want to see the actually process, but it ended up being extremely helpful to see what progress I was making after nearly 3 hours of pushing. And finally, by 7:07AM on September 11th (which just so happens to be Auntie Dana's birthday as well!), we had learned that the precious little bee was in fact a precious little baby girl. Weighing in at 8.3lbs and 20.5 inches long, she was simply perfect and we were done for. Words simply cannot describe that moment when you hear your newborn baby's cry for the first time. Never would I have imagined the sweet relief, love and emotion I felt at that time. After 9 months, our baby finally made her debut and life would never be the same.
She was immediately put on my chest and stayed there for about 45 minutes. The human body is truly miraculous. Just her nestling on my bare chest helped regulate her temperature, circulation and senses. The simple physical contact with her mother (me!!!) was exactly what she needed to thrive in her first hours in the world. I still cannot comprehend the bond that we share and that my simple touch can provide those essential benefits for her.
We stayed in the hospital for another 24 hours, which was quite a blur. Family and friends came in and out to visit, but all Evan and I could think about was getting home with our little Sydney and beginning life with her.
I feel so fortunate to have had such a straightforward labor and delivery but couldn't have done any of it without Evan's love and support. He has always been my rock and strength (sorry, that's so cliche, but true) and this was no exception. He jumped right in like a pro, knowing exactly what to say and exactly (mostly) what to do to keep me going. Not only has he been every bit the husband I devoted my life to, but he has already proven to the most caring, gentle, head-over-heels in love father. Sydney, Kirby and I are truly blessed.

This mama is overcome. This is what life is truly about.