REWIND- 3 weeks and 3 days ago...

Despite all my best well wishing baby girl Norman didn't end up making her debut on her own, so on September 3rd, just 3 days before my due date, Justin and I headed to the hospital to meet our baby girl.

After what felt like one of the longest, most nerve racking mornings of my life we finally checked into the hospital at noon. My c-section was scheduled for two o'clock. The nurses helping me hooked me up to the baby monitor, took my vitals, placed my IV and such... while I did my best NOT to be too nervous... Of course I was so very excited for my baby girl to come, but I was so nervous about getting the spinal tap and having surgery...

(My "baby girl" Jamberry nails.)

Once I was all prepped and ready it was time to head into the operating room. At this point they walked Justin to the recovery room to put my bags there and then I thought they would bring him right back to me. But they didn't, and it was time for me to get my spinal tap! I was so nervous for this and REALLY wanted Justin there for support. I wanted to hold his hand! I kept thinking they would bring him right in... the anesthesiologist started telling me what I needed to do for him to be able to place the spinal tap... still no Justin. I told the anesthesiologist I was very, very nervous for this part. He assured me it wouldn't be half as bad as I was expecting it to be and he had a nurse come hold my hand as I leaned forward over a pillow while he put the needle in my back. He was so nice and helped me stay calm. He told me what to expect and how it would feel and although I was still nervous his calm demeanor really helped me. He was really patient with me and the way he talked to me made me actually believe that what he was telling me was the truth- it really wouldn't hurt too much. And, it really didn't. (I felt sooo grateful to that anesthesiologist- who continued to be so great throughout my entire c-section.) The only problem was that my lower body wasn't going all the way numb... My doctor kept checking by pinching my lower stomach and my shoulder- it felt the same! "It's okay," the anesthesiologist tried to reassure me, "sometimes it takes a little longer." My anxiety level rose. I DID NOT want to have another spinal tap despite how "okay" it was the first time. And where was Justin?! They still hadn't brought him in. The doctor kept checking to see how numb I was. I kept saying I could still feel the pinches and please not to cut me open until I was numb! The anesthesiologist told the doctor he might need to do the spinal tap again. No, no, no! I kept thinking in my head. But, then they checked again and finally I was beginning to get more and more numb! My legs were tingly, then completely numb, and then before too long I couldn't feel the pinches at all anymore. AND, then they FINALLY brought Justin in! It was time for us to meet our baby girl.

Having a c-section is very uncomfortable. Not because it is extremely painful, there is some pain, but the "pain" comes from all the horrible tugging and pulling I could feel. Sooo much pressure! Immediately once the surgery started I couldn't wait for it to be over. Between the extreme discomfort I was in and the anxiety I already had, plus the effect of the medicine (I think) that I had been given I was feeling pretty out of it. I think the anesthesiologist put some oxygen on me. Justin was standing by my side watching. I was so comforted by his presence. The anesthesiologist told me that they had made the cut... I was moaning in pain, gritting my teeth, trying to stay calm... "2 more minutes and she'll be out! Then I can give you something good for the pain- just 2 more minutes!" the anesthesiologist said.

And suddenly it all felt so real. Our baby girl was almost here! I felt overwhelmed with emotions- gratitude for the last 9 months, love towards the child we were about to welcome into our family... and so much more that words just do no justice to describe.

And then, just moments later, I could hear her crying! Oh, what a wonderful, amazing sound! Our baby girl was screaming loud and strong and I couldn't help but burst into tears. Pure happiness filled my heart. What an amazing miracle- to bring new life into this world. Life that Justin and I created together. And she was ours- forever. Oh, how our Heavenly Father loves and blesses us.

The next few hours are more blurry for me. The pain medicine they gave me made me very loopy. But, Justin went to our baby while the doctor finished up my c-section and sewed and stapled me up. I was so glad that Justin could be near her while I couldn't be. I lay there and listened to our baby's squeals and pictured Justin at her side- taking pictures, cutting her cord. Justin came back over to me during that time and I asked about the baby. "Is she okay? Does she have hair?" I asked through tears. Justin answered yes to both and asked if I was okay. One simple question asked in a way that made me feel so very loved. What a wonderful husband I have. I told him I was fine and that he could go back and be with our baby.

In the recovery room I was able to hold our sweet baby girl for the first time. She was tiny and beautiful and I was completely and madly in love with her. I didn't get to hold Keaton for days after he was born and I kept saying silent prayers of thanks, gratitude, and happiness for such a perfect, healthy baby- for the chance to experience motherhood in a way I hadn't before. 

Justin and I were both smitten. We couldn't get enough of her- our precious baby girl- we still can't.

September 3, 2013 at 2:23 PM our little miss Aisley Pearl Norman was born weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. and measuring 19 inches long. 

Oh, how we love our little miss Aisley.