Unmistakable

Five years ago at about 8:30 am the unmistakable happened. I was standing in my parent's room getting ready to head out to Target to grab my brother a present for his party coming up later that day. Kenny went to have breakfast with a friend and would meet us later at the restaurant for the party. That was the plan anyway. That was the plan until I felt the unmistakable feeling. The feeling you yearn for and dread at the same time. The feeling you have been unsure if it had happened in the past, yet until it has actually happened to you, there is no way of knowing exactly what to expect. The feeling that you are anxious and excited for. The feeling of...my water breaking. I knew exactly what had happened, yet it was nothing like I had expected. Nothing like in the movies. No big puddle all over the floor. Nothing embarrassing, thankfully. Nothing dramatic. I didn't even need to change, but as soon as it happened, I KNEW...UNMISTAKABLE..I KNEW! I called Kenny at breakfast and he put his money on the table and headed out. Since my first child was induced and went relatively fast (and horrendously painful, I might add), I knew I didn't want to wait. Off we went. When we got to the hospital the nurse asked if I wanted something for the pain. Since the contractions were nothing like the pain of my dear sweet first born, I thought I should wait. She informed me that I was in active labor and if I wanted it, I needed it now. I graciously accepted her offer, and labor continued nicely. The nurse came in at 2:00 and told me she'll call the Dr at 3. I told her I wouldn't make it that long. I had no reason to think this since I wasn't in any pain, but I just felt it. As soon as she left the room, BAM! The unmistakable feeling. The unmistakable feeling, that unless it has happened to you, you have now way of describing it. The unmistakable feeling that you are so anxious and excited for all at the same time. The unmistakable feeling of the baby coming and coming now! I told Kenny he needed to get the nurse fast, "the baby was here!" Poor guy seemed to question me and was a bit embarrassed to go get her since she literally JUST walked out. But, sensing my tone and knowing to never argue with a woman in the throws of labor, he did his husbandly duties. The nurse seemed to scoff a bit as she walked in, but took one look and knew. She had me do a practice push and stopped me in mid push. (Fun, let me tell you.) The Dr. hurried in trying to put his scrubs on as he came in, even almost falling as he attempted to put his shoe covers on while balancing on one leg as the nurse helped with gloves. Three pushes later, our little Abby Lynn was born. I actually said, "that's it, that was easy!" I had nine months of feeling great, six hours of (relatively) pain free labor, and three pushes. I kind of feel like I cheated the system.
Five years later, I still feel that way. I still have the unmistakable feeling. The one you yearn for and dread a bit at the same time. The unmistakable feeling of raising a daughter as she prepares to start school. When she thinks she's ready to take on the world, but still young enough cuddle on your lap during the scary part of a movie. Kenny and I are so blessed to have three wonderful children. Sure they keep us busy and on our toes and about one hair length from a nervous breakdown. But, they also keep us laughing and smiling, and so incredibly proud.
Abby amazes me every day. My heart melts as I watch her dance, or hear her sing, listen to her pray, or read a book. I get a lump in my throat when she runs and hugs her brother everyday after school, or the look in her eyes when she sees one of her cute boy crushes Ovation. I love the way she helps diaper the baby or tells me about wanting to become a mommy someday. I treasure how she has many "dog friends" and every animal she comes across she adores, including the tarantula, that was "SOO cute and fuzzy." I'll always remember finding Jonah's action figures tucked in under little blankets or napkins around the house. Or the way she tenderly cares for each and everyone of her imaginary friends. Even knowing where she placed each one. I'm so grateful for our little Abby and will miss her so very much as she starts Kindergarten. I love you Abigail. Happy 5th birthday. You are going to love being five. You will get to do all the fun things you watched your brother get to do. You will get to experience that unmistakable feeling of childhood.



Good job on tying your shoes!