Happy 1st Birthday Iris!

This day is so bittersweet for me. I cannot believe it has already been one year since Iris came into this world. I remember the day of her birth like it was yesterday, and I think I always will. At 4am on September 20th my water broke while I was sound asleep. We were out the door within 15 minutes and on our way to the University of Michigan Hospital. Contractions were coming hard and close together on the drive over. I just kept praying we would make it there quickly and safely. Mike wheeled me into labor and delivery. I will never forget how I felt when I stood up from that wheel chair to get my hospital gown on. The pain was so intense. The nurse checked me and I was dilated to 7cm and 100% effaced. She asked if I wanted an epidural and my answer was "YES!!!" While I laid on the hospital bed, she pushed me down the long hall into another room. I can so vividly remember how everything played out. A doctor came in to ask some questions. I was in such pain that I couldn't even concentrate on what was being asked, let alone actually give the answers to her questions. The nurse told me they would send an anesthesiologist in right away to give me an epidural. Just a few minutes later, someone popped in the door to say the anesthesiologist was tied up in an emergency surgery and wouldn't get to me for an hour or so. I clearly remember shouting "You've got to be kidding me!!" I honestly didn't think I was going to make it. I wasn't having any breaks between contractions. The nurse was going to give me some morphine to take the edge off until they brought the epidural, but right before she did, the doctor decided she would check me again due to the amount of pain I was in. Might I remind you that I was just checked only 10 minutes before this. She said "I'm going to wash up, and then I'll see where you're at. Just let me know if you feel the urge to push." Not even 10 seconds later, I yelled to the doctor from across the room, "I think I need to push!!" I won't forget the look on Mike's face. We had just gotten to the hospital and we're already going to have a baby?! The doctor rushed over to check me. I was 10cm and ready to go. She told the nurses there was no time for any kind of pain relief (meaning no morphine, and certainly no epidural). I remember thinking there was no way I could push this baby out 100% naturally...NO WAY. But, after 4 or 5 pushes, Iris came into this world. It was the most amazing thing ever. I have never experienced such immediate relief. I was overjoyed to meet my baby girl. I looked up at Mike. He had tears slowly rolling down his face as he watched them take Iris over to check her vitals. He kissed me and said, "You did it honey. I'm so proud of you." They brought Iris to me right away. She was so precious and perfect. I remember how she immediately calmed down and quit crying when they placed her in my arms. That moment is one I will never forget.

This past year has flown by much too quickly, and that is why today is so bittersweet. My sweet little baby is no longer little. She is starting to walk and talk and play like a big girl. Iris is such a blessing and a true gift from God. I thank God for her every single day. I love you my sweet little Iris!!