Hard to believe 4 years ago today I was anticipating the birth of our spunky Aubrey Grace!
I remember trying to fall asleep, wondering what labor would be like and if I'd end up getting an epidural, worrying about whether I'd have to have a C-section and wishing I could just fall asleep since it would likely be my last night of good sleep for the next 20 years.
I woke up in the morning to a phone call from my doctor that I was included in the noon inductions. Phew! That meant I could sleep a little more and have a good breakfast. We met as a family for breakfast at Woodinville Cafe. I had eggs, bacon and a huge cinnamon roll. Yum!
A few hours later I was in my room at Evergreen Hospital waiting for my first contraction. Those contractions came on quickly after the pitocin IV and proceeded to get worse and worse....Thanks, Eve! Well, after a small stint in the jacuzzi tub I was READY for an epidural. Good thing too because I totally believe Aubrey NEVER would have been born without it. I mean, have you seen her head?!
What an explosion of emotions occurred at 10:21pm. Relief that Aubrey finally shot out into the world - literally shot out after her head came out! Astonishment at the miracle that God just brought to fruition. Love like I've never experienced so instantly. Deep sorrow over my family being so far away and my mom missing her "Gram-Me" moment. Amazement and respect over Kenny's reaction to his new daughter. Fear of being a mom of a girl. Joy that made my limbs tingle that this greatly anticipated day had finally come!
I have felt all those same emotions from time to time for the last 4 years. I thought nothing could top the mountain of emotion that I experienced the day Aubrey was born, but I was wrong.
February 23, 2010 is a day that eclipses March 8, 2006 in every way! Aubrey and I were driving in the car and had just pulled into our parking spot at home. Aubrey told me she wanted to go where Jesus lives in heaven. I told her you get to go to heaven when you are part of Jesus' family. "I want to be in Jesus' family." My heart started racing. Could this be the moment that we have been praying for for the last 4 years? I asked Aubrey if she wanted to pray and tell Jesus that she wanted to be in His family and sure enough she DID! So, she climbed into the front seat with me and we prayed for her SALVATION! Overwhelmed with God's goodness and grace and calling! That was and still is my emotion over Aubrey's new identity and family in Christ.
So, we will celebrate her 4 years with a ballet party and a family dinner, but the REAL party took place in heaven on February 23, 2010....and my mom got to have her "Gram-Me" moment with all the saints and King Jesus!
