A Labor of Love

“Anyone who thinks women are the weaker sex never witnessed childbirth”

I believe it is true when they say that after giving birth you are so overtaken with love that you forget about the pain you endure. I was most definitely a victim to this. :D In preparation to go to the hospital, I did most everything on my list EXCEPT pack my own bag. I figured I would do it when I started having contractions, just before going to the hospital. Boy, was I wrong!

I felt my first contraction around 2am, Tuesday, June 28th. Immediately my thoughts went to Nora's prediction and I said "By golly, she was right!" These contractions, however, were not like the contractions I remember having with Nora. They were very intense and very close together. Packing a bag was not something I was going to be able to do. Thank God for Tim. He packed my bag without a complaint or lecture. :D We called our parents to tell them to get ready, and we called the nurse who told us to start timing the contractions. Did you know that there's an app for that too? (gotta love the iphone) After an hour of timing, we headed to the hospital with Nora in tow.

Once we arrived at Northside hospital, we were checked into a room. Mama J arrived just about the same time as we did. We checked into our room. I changed clothes, and was set up on the monitor. However, since it was close to shift change, I was not seen for about an hour. Those contractions hurt and this was about the longest hour of my life. Once they finally checked everything out, I was dialated about 4 1/2 cm. Since the contractions were so intense, I was given an iv drug to "take the edge off" of the pain. It did its job until I recieved my epidural. The doctor who gave me my epidural was wonderful. He explained every little thing he was doing and even added little sound effects like "poppity, click, pop, pop!" I wish I remembered his name because he was fabulous. After recieveing the epidural, I was fine. (I swear that epidurals are the best things created since sliced bread!) Anyhow, while I rested, Mama J took Nora to her house to rest and prepare for baby sister. Nana and Poppa arrived at the hospital just around 12:00. I was just starting to feel some pressure

The Prediction

Call Me Now! (in my best Jamaican, Madame Cleo voice)

Thursday, June 23, 2011 I left the doctor's office and gave my weekly report to Nora.

Mommy: "Mommy went to the doctor, and your sister is doing great. When do you think she will come out?"

Nora: "I think Naomi is coming Tuesday."

The next day
Nora: "Tell Nana to come Tuesday too, cause Naomi coming."

Could she be right? I have no idea, but for some reason I have made it my mission to finish everything on my to-do list by Tuesday even though it is 6 days before the due date. :D

Mother's Day 2011

How great to be honored for something that I feel is such a priviledge. Motherhood is a blessing and a joy. I could not imagine my life without my little girls.

Saturday, Tim brought me breakfast in bed and took Nora to ballet so I could sleep in. When they returned, Nora was so excited to tell me about the cake she decorated for me at Publix. She said "I use purple because Mommy LOVE purple!" How cute. There was even a pink candy rose in the center. This cake was an awesome gift. I really did love it - so much I cried. Now I know what my mom meant by homemade gifts are the best. Nothing from a store could have or would have been as great as that cake. :D (Thanks Tim!) Tim and Nora then went to spend the evening together -giving me the day off. What did I choose to do? Sleep and watch Criminal Minds. :D I also started to clean my room. WOW! The things that make me happy . . . .

Sunday, we went to pick strawberries at Harry Stacy Farm. This is becoming a Mother's Day tradition that I enjoy very much. This year, Nora was more interested in picking strawberries from the basket to fill her tummy. :D We had a great time. Once home, Tim prepared a wonderful steak dinner. What a great day!

A New Addition!

We are patiently awaiting the arrival of Naomi Addison Brooks. She is scheduled to arrive on July 4, 2011, but we know that she will come whenever she is ready to do so. The family is in the process of making the necessary preparations. We have already decorated the bathroom for both girls. Nora was not happy to learn that we would be painting the bathroom walls brown, but has since changed her mind in light of all the pink, polka dot accessories. Mama J recently visited and Nora asked if she liked the bathroom. Mama J responded "Yes" and asked if the bathroom belonged to both Nora and Naomi. Nora quickly replied "just me." :D I guess we will have to spend a little more time working on sharing. Here is a picture of our finished product.




Our next steps are to redecorate Nora's room so we can move her baby furniture over for Naomi. So much to do - So little time to do it.