6 months ago today, Daddy and I woke up knowing we would be meeting you in just a few hours. We didn't get much sleep the night before (we were so nervous and excited! not to mention a thunderstorm came rolling through...) but we woke up so happy and ready to get the day started. We got ready, grabbed a few last minute things to take with us, and told the pets their lives would never be the same.On the way, we called family to tell them we were on our way and that you'd be here in just a few short hours. Daddy and I spent our last time together as a family of 2, and couldn't stop talking about what the next few hours, days, months, and years would bring. We checked into the hospital and Mommy got hooked up to all kinds of machines. We could hear your heartbeat and feel you moving around. We couldn't wait to hold you!! Daddy was sent on errands to fill out paperwork and take care of last minute details. Before we knew it, it was time! I was rolled into the operating room and once I was all fixed up and ready, Daddy was brought in. He sat next to me and held my hand as we waited anxiously to hear your first cries. Suddenly you were being taken out and the nurse told Daddy he could look up and see your first moments, so he did. He got to see one little eye peek open, then you quickly shut it tight and we heard your voice for the first time. The nurses and doctor all gasped, "Look at those cheeks!! AND THAT HAIR!!" I couldn't wait to see you for myself, and finally you were brought around. I watched as they cleaned you up and wrapped you tightly in a blanket. Daddy and I were both crying, we were so happy you had arrived. I watched as they cleaned you up and couldn't believe what I was looking at. My little girl. My little girl, whose heartbeat we listened to, who we watched kick and move and roll around inside my tummy, who we dreamt about and prepared for. Finally you were wrapped up tight (like a burrito, Daddy always said) and they put a pretty purple hat on you. Then, the moment your Daddy had been waiting for...he got to hold you for the very first time. The first time he'd ever held a baby, but you wouldn't know it. He was a natural with you right from the start.
You and Daddy were whisked away to the nursery while the doctor and nurses finished up with me. Nana was outside waiting and that was when she saw you for the first time! She cried, she was so happy watching you through the nursery window. I was taken into the recovery room and waited patiently for Daddy to return with our little girl. Finally, it was MY turn to hold you! I held you and couldn't believe how beautiful you were. The prettiest baby I'd ever seen, with the most beautiful head of hair. We were all taken to our room where we'd spend the next few days getting to know you, and loving you more and more every second that passed.
Now here we are, 6 months later and Daddy and I are amazed at how much time has passed already. 6 months! And what a big girl we have on our hands. You're rolling all over the place, we can't keep you contained on a blanket anymore! You're sitting up all on your own. You're laughing out loud- the best sound I've ever heard...Daddy and I make fools out of ourselves, doing anything we can just to hear that sound. You're babbling and making new sounds, and love to give big ol' slobbery kisses. You've learned so much these past 6 months, but without even knowing it you've taught Daddy and me a lot too.
Daddy and I love you so much. Keep smiling, learning, and growing....just slow down a bit, okay?
3 comments:
What a beautiful heart touching story. I cried all the way through it. We are so lucky to have little Riley with us and can't believe how fast she is growing. Every time we see her, she has changed so much and just gets more precious every day. We love the three of you very much. Love, Nana
She is so cute--obviously a character! I loved reading your blog!
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Thank you, and God bless you.
Melissa, We just saw where you posted what to us is so very moving. On this day 6 months ago when Mark called to tell us you were about to go into the operating room and we would be Grandparents soon, I was at the park eating lunch and Steve was at work. Mark called us both seperately. It was a sunny warm day here, that is why I was in the park. Mark was so excited and nervous too. I could tell by the sound of his voice. We so wished we could have been closer than a 1000 miles away. We were there in spirit that is for sure! Mark said he had to go becasue they were getting ready to take you back. After he hung up, I set there and cried by myself and I know Steve was doing the same thing. We were so excited about this new little one coming to be with us.
It seemed like it had been hardly any time since I had been there in July (Steve did not get to come) when you were pregnant and got to feel her move and kick around. When we called and told Steve about this, he was so excited. Poppa said she was ready to come out and play. :o)
When Mark sent us the first photos by cell phone we were so excited to see her!! She was so beautiful!! We knew she would be and that you and Mark were thrilled beyond compare that day as we were.
We had to wait until she was 3 weeks old before we saw her. It was quite an emotional time for Steve and I. I can see you now standing there holding her when we walked in...it was so great to finally get to see Riley. We took so many pictures and she actually was smiling in some of them looking up at us. She may not have known it but it was a smile to us.
Riley has brought so much joy to this family. Just to know you and Mark are parents now is so special. Riley will give you and Mark much happiness in the years to come as she grows and changes in all the ways she will and has already. She gets prettier as the days go by. She brings joy to all the family!!!!
I have a picture of her on my desktop (and all around my desk in the lobby of the college and eveyone that walks by goes on and on about how pretty she is.
We will be coming to see the three of you the first of July and we are counting down the days.
We can't wait to hold Riley again!!!
You and Mark have been so good about sending pictures and videos to keep us up on things. We love the one where she went shopping the first time in the grocery store. She looks so grown up in the cart, like she is picking out what she wants. :o)
Well, We will stop for now. Much love to three very important people in our lives.
Love and hugs...Nana and Poppa
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