Lesson 42: A Family of Four is Worth the Wait

Paige Parker, one of my students, made this cake for me on my last day with their class.

It is 11:01 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012.  Tomorrow is the Presidential Election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.  It is all the country can talk about.  But I have something bigger on my mind... tomorrow we will be the parents of a baby girl.  Scheduled C-Section at 7:30 am at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  Dr. Carriker will be doing the surgery- just like with Liam.  But unlike Liam's delivery via C-Section, this one is planned, this one will not be on the heels of a 27 hour labor, and this one will bring us the finale to our family of four (and Lola of course).  

Ryan went to bed an hour and a half ago.  Becky went to bed 45 minutes ago.  But I cannot wind down.  Simply put...I cannot wait to meet my daughter.

I cannot wait to see her on that scale in the operating room, and witness what she weighs.  They predict 9 pounds like her brother, but she feels more like 19 pounds to me these last few weeks.

I cannot wait to hear the whimper and eventual cry of hers, and I cannot wait to be able to soothe her with soft shhhhh's and lullabyes.

I cannot wait to feel the grasp of her little fingers around my finger and to know that she knows who I am.

I cannot wait to see in her eyes the spirit of those women who have come before her.  The women she is named after, as well as the women who are still with us and who will love her every day of their lives.

I cannot wait to bundle her up and watch her doze off in my arms.

But more than it all, I cannot wait to see Ryan and Liam with her.  Ryan, with his gentle way and pure love, and Liam, with his silliness and hugs.  

I should wrap it up.  Lily is kicking up a storm, reminding me settle down and try and sleep.  I hope I can.  I know I should.  I smile, realizing that very soon, on what was my Daddy John's birthday as well, we will meet her.  And then we will be a family of four.  And I cannot wait.  Lesson well learned.

Lily's bedroom with it lit up lanterns and subtle ladybug theme.

A view from the rocker-recliner, where I have been sleeping for the last 2 months.

I hope she feels the love that went into the room :)