Live in the Sunshine: Ashlyn is here!

Dear Ashlyn,
This week has been full of wonderful surprises. I can't believe you are already a week old. You have blessed our home with more love and joy then we ever thought possible. Your Big Sis guards you as if you were one of her own baby dolls and worries about where you are and what you're doing constantly.
Last week (on Tuesday the 17th), I was at school and having random contractions at the end of the day. Since they weren't coming at regular time intervals, I thought you were just wiggling and preparing me for D-day. I was supposed to go watch one of my students who won Spotlight Student get his award that night, but I knew I wouldn't be able to make it considering the pain I was in.
  Once I got home, all I could do was lay on the couch. I told your Dad about the contractions I was having. He became concerned and made sure everything was taken care of that night (dinner, Kelsey, etc). I told Jon that you could be arriving that night...but I just wasn't quite sure if I was right or not. So I made sure to shower and prepare for the "just-in-case" moment. I ended up going to bed quite early that night.
The next morning, I woke up and when I went to the bathroom, I saw I was bleeding. I immidately called the doctor (this was at 6 am) and he told me to come into the office at 8 that morning. I called into work and since I had 2 hours to kill, I got ready...and when I say ready, I mean with all my stuff, your stuff, and Kelsey's stuff. Then I drove Kelsey to Mrs. Judy's. It was on the way to Mrs. Judy's (around 7 am) that I began feeling contractions. I timed them as I was driving and they were 4-5 minutes apart. Mrs. Judy met me at my car to get Kelsey and once I knew she was taken care of, I quickly called your Dad to tell him that he "might" want to meet me at the hospital. The contractions were getting more painful and were coming more quickly.
    Once I arrived at the doctors, your Dad right behind me, I was rushed back to the doctor's office. Jon continued to time the contractions and once Dr. Clark checked out the situation, she said in her sweet voice, "It looks like you'll be having a baby today!" I looked at your Dad and could see the overwhelming excitement in his face that I was feeling inside.

   We walked over the hospital and within an hour, I was in a bed hooked up to an IV waiting for my lovely epidural (which I got an hour later). I was in labor from 7 am to 2 pm. At that point, Dr. Littleton came in and after a few pushes, you were out. I was so in love with your little face and your tiny features. I couldn't believe how beautiful you were. I looked at your Dad and said, "We make some good lookin' babies!!!"
    You were born on May 18, 2011 at 2:20 pm weighing 6lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 19 in long. Pretty good for coming 3 weeks early!
    You had many visitors that came the next two days (Grandma Janice, Grandpa Keith, Kelsey, Great-Grandma Barbara, Dawn, Ben, Melanie, Jessica, Vannah, Christine, and Kim). Everyone wanted to hold you and rock you to sleep. You were so quiet and such a sweet little baby...which hasn't changed *wink*.
    My favorite moment at the hospital was when Kelsey arrived and begged to hold you. Once we got her settled on the hospital bed next to me, we put you in her arms, and she whispered in your ear, "I love you!" and gave you a huge smooch on the top of your head. She is so proud of you and I can't wait to watch you two grow up together and become the closest of sisters.
    Here are some pictures from the past week. You are an amazing gift from God. We love you with all our hearts!

Love,

Mom

The night before you were born.