SIX YEARS OLD TODAY

O is six years old today.  I am so blessed to know her and love her.

On this day six years ago around 5:30 am I was doing yoga when my water broke.  I called the doctor and woke my husband.  For those of you who know my husband, you also know he is not a morning person, so it took some convincing for me to get him out of bed.  

It was a beautiful spring day.  The sun was shining and it was the peak day of the cherry blossoms.  On our way to the hospital, we drove past the waterfront.  Contractions were pretty far apart at first.  Once one would end the mental exhaustion of knowing one would start again was enough to take me over the edge.  I had been telling my husband that I was going to have a "drug free" birth and under no circumstances would I need drugs.  I remember saying, "Even if I tell you I need them, don't give them to me."  He promised and promised and promised.  

I made him do everything to reassure me he would keep that promise except sign his name in blood.   By noon I was miserable.  I hadn't eaten and I was so hungry.  The pain was excruciating, but I was still holding out.  My husband remembered from our birthing class that singing to your wife is sometimes helpful when she is laboring as it takes her mind off of the pain.  He not only starts singing, he starts singing "Little Bunny Foo Foo" to make me laugh. Also, he does not know the words to many songs.   At that point I turned into Freddy Kruger.  I grabbed my husband by the collar and asked what he was doing.  He kept singing.  I tightened my grip on his collar and told him to get me some &%$^*#@ drugs.  He breathlessly tells me, "no, I promised, remember".  Another contraction comes.  My hands release his neck and I hold my belly.  Again, I tell him but this time nicely, "Please, please, please, go get the doctor.  I need some drugs."  He says, "Oh no, you can't talk me into this.  I promised you.  Are you sure you want an epidural?"  To which I reply, "I have never been so %^$#@&* sure of anything in my entire life."  He's a good man.  He got me the epideral.
O
After the epideral was administered, we spent the better part of the day waiting for O. She arrived at 4:40 pm the same day.  We cried and laughed.  Doug then went to get her Godmother, Stacey, who had been in the waiting room.  She took pictures.  O cried as she was given her first bath.  Stacey told her she'd cry to if she had to wear plastic jewelry like the one around O's foot, but Stacey promised her that soon as she could, she would get her something 14 karat.  It was a truly awesome day!

Happy 6th Birthday O!  

When O woke up this morning, we played the game we always play on her birthday.  "Let me see your feet...yes, those are six year old feet.  Let me see your fingers...yes, those are six year old fingers.  Let me see your ears...yes, those are six year old ears.  Let me see your teeth...yes those are six year old teeth.  Wow!  You have grown!"  

As your mommy, being with you on this journey is a heartfelt joy.  I am so honored.  You're love is a miracle.

May the year of "six years old" be a year of laughter that fills your soul.  
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful.
May you be truly free.
May you always remember you are loved deeply forever and ever.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

Sweet daughters and epidurals rock!  Kindergarten sucks!