six years ago...

...on a Friday night, like tonight, at about this time, Ben and I headed to the hospital. I was in labor. I'd been in labor all day long. I was tired. And in some pain.

We got to the hospital. The nurses checked me. I was dilated to about a four. They kept me for an hour, but when I hadn't progressed at all, those blessed women gave me a shot of morphine and sent me home to sleep.

Granted, labor woke me up about three and a half hours later. But still. That's three + hours of labor that I have no recollection of. Ben, the ever attendant husband and almost first-time father stayed up, timing my contractions, because even though I was passed out, I guess it was still pretty clear I was having them.

My daughter was born Saturday morning in the eight o'clock hour. There is no way she'll wait until eight to wake up tomorrow. It will be her sixth birthday and the celebration must begin as early as possible. Sweet girl. I love her so.

letters to a parent

Annie, from Basic Joy, came up with a really great idea: to have parents write letters about their experiences and things they've learned, to other parents who may find themselves in the same or similar boat while floating on the ocean of parenthood.

I love this idea, and so I was quite flattered to be nominated to write a letter. (thanks, Gabby!) Since it's only been about six years since I embarked on this journey of motherhood, I wasn't sure to whom I should address my letter. Finding myself in the thick of small-child parenting I am very aware that I don't know a whole lot. And so, I wrote the letter to myself, six years ago, right before my oldest was born. I think I came up with some decent stuff that I will find helpful now and in the years to come. Hopefully some one else will, too!

My letter is up today, so go on over and visit Letters to a Parent. Take a look around. There is some good stuff over there.

a birthday

This is my mom. (I stole this picture off my sister's blog- it's from when they went hiking together, I think.) It's her birthday. She's amazing. She's one of my heros. She has eleven kids. (Several others claim her as an adopted mom.) She really is a woman of many, many talents. Ask me what she doesn't do well and I'd have to think. Maybe she has a hard time standing still. She likes to go, go, go. But if standing still is what's needed, she'll do it. I have to say, I have inherited some good genes from her. Thanks, Mom. Happy Birthday!