My Dearest Lily,
Your due date was scheduled for December 19th, which meant there was a good chance that you could have been born on Christmas or on 12-12-12. I really didn’t want you to have to be cheated out of a real birthday by having it on Christmas (which is also your Pa’s birthday). You cooperated quite nicely and decided to come five days early on Friday, December 14th, 2012.
Around 9:30 in the morning, I was in Charlie’s room sitting on the floor playing with Charlie and Ella when my water broke. I stood up and opened the back door and shouted to Dad, “It’s time!” He replied, “Time for what?” “The baby’s coming! My water just broke.” He came inside while I was getting our things ready and making phone calls and asked, “Do you mind if I take a shower?” I didn’t have any contractions yet, so I agreed to let him have a shower.
My good friend Jessica Kinsey came and watched Charlie and Ella while we went to the hospital. It took us about 45 minutes to get everything ready and get in the car. As we were heading to the hospital, Dad informed me that he was hungry and would like to stop and Jack in the Box for something to eat. I agreed, but I was understandably annoyed at his casual attitude about my being in labor (even though I didn’t have any contractions at this point). Here is a picture of him eating a breakfast sandwich from Jack.
When we arrived at the hospital, they said I was having minor contractions, and I was dilated to a 3. They recommended that I begin walking to help labor along. Dad and I walked up and down the halls of Triage for an hour. We walked past this woman who, Dad informed me, had her zipper down. We later came to meet her again when she was our lactation consultant. (Just a little fun fact.) Toward the end of the hour, I began having contractions, so we went back to the nurses station where the bed was.
I lain in bed waiting for a room for about an hour or so, all the while my contractions getting stronger and more painful. I could not get the epidural until they were able to put me in a room. By the time I got a room, my contractions were excruciating and I was desperate for the anesthesiologist. Fortunately, Grammy was there and she put a fire under the nurses to get the anesthesiologist in the room. He gave me the “happy-dural” and I felt so much better. About 10 minutes after he had given me the epidural they told me that I was ready to deliver. They called Dr. Vining, he came to the hospital, and in just a few pushes you were out. Your head is significantly smaller than your brother Charlie’s, so you came out much more quickly and easily than he did. So far, your delivery (and recovery) has been my easiest. You were born at 3:14pm. You weighed 7 pounds 1 ounce, and you were 19 1/2 inches long.
The nurse at the hospital gave you your first bath. Your skin was rosy red but soft like a rose petal too. Your Dad couldn’t help but inhale you after your bath because you smelled so good.
It was love at first sight for all of us.
Later that evening, Charlie and Ella came to see you with Trish Ellsworth and Jessica Kinsey.
During our first night together, I learned that you are my most snuggly baby yet. You wanted to snuggle (and nurse) with me all night long. You still to this day would love it if I would snuggle you all day and all night. I honestly wish I could because I absolutely love holding you in my arms. While Grammy was here after you were born, that was what she did most of the time. I would see her sitting on the couch reading her Kindle and snuggling with you all wrapped up in a bundle. You were quite disturbed when Grammy had to go home because your snuggle sessions were depleted dramatically.
The next day we waited for your pediatrician (Dr. Subbu) to come and see you and clear you to leave the hospital. Unfortunately, Dr. Subbu had bronchitis that day, so they sent Dr. Rathle (pronounced like “rattle”) instead. He was a strange man with an accent I couldn’t place who made me very angry. He didn’t listen to any of my concerns and instead gave me a packet of papers that he had written and told me to read it and let him know if I had any questions. The packet was very strange and poorly written. In places where he had statistics, he actually wrote, “83% or something like that…” Who writes that? Anyway, I’m very glad that he is not your pediatrician and I would be happy if I never had to see him again. Your Grammy and I still joke about what a kook Dr. Rathle was.
Your Nana and Papa could only come for a day, so they came to meet you just before we were getting ready to leave the hospital. They too fell in love with you.
We were so grateful when they told us we could go home because we were ready to be in our own beds away from the hospital smells and sounds.
Trish and Kathy Hoover met us at our house with Charlie and Ella on Saturday evening. I’m sure your brother and sister had fun at the Ellsworth’s house, but they were also ready to come home.
Ella couldn’t wait to hold you. I want you to notice that you have her pink blankie around you. That blankie is her most precious possession that she would not let anyone have (not even me or Dad). If my foot would accidentally touch it on the couch she would shout, “MY BLANKIE!” and rip the blanket out from under my foot. She didn’t even hesitate wrapping you up in her blankie because she loves you so much.
Nana and Papa wanted as much time with you as possible before they went home. 
Lily, I hope you will always know how much you are loved by all of those around you. Even though you are now only two months old, I already know that you have such a sweet, kind spirit. That is why others are so drawn to you…not to mention the fact that you’re adorable too. I love you, and I am so happy you are part of our family.
Love always,
Mom
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