The week of July 7 I went to the doctor and opted not to get checked because I didn't feel much action and didn't want to get hopes up...just wanted to be in the moment. That afternoon, I started having some light contractions, stronger than Braxton hicks and definite changes. I could tell baby was dropping and I was getting closer. Jonathan and I had everything ready and were probably too relaxed for our own good because if I went into sudden labor, any family member is at least 2.5 hours away and Denson would have to come with us to the hospital. Tuesday was the same but getting more uncomfortable and by Wednesday morning I knew we were probably a day away from meeting our baby. Mom happened to call Wednesday morning and say she was up worrying about us and if we did have to rush to the hospital, no one was here for Denson. I told her my contractions were strong but not regular so I didn't want to inconvenience anyone to come up yet but I felt best if she did. Jonathan brought home lunch for me on Wednesday and to check on us and he decided to stay home the rest of the day because I was feeling more pain. My appetite was zapped and that reminded me of how I was with Denson just before he was born. Our bodies are incredible and many symptoms prepare us for the baby's arrival (at least that's what I've experienced both pregnancies). At that point, I called mom with slight urgency feeling that we would be going to the hospital that night. Let me tell you, we were literally at our front door waiting for her and had woken Denson up in case she didn't make it in time and we had to take him with us. We hugged Denson and mom, got in the car and headed to the hospital. Pain was bearable but intensifying quickly and when they say your second baby comes faster, they are right! The checked me and I opted to walk around the hospital for a bit longer to help baby drop more and after 10 minutes of walking, I was ready for an epidural. We got to the delivery room and before we knew it, Eloise was in our arms. She was born at 12:27am, weighing 7lbs 9oz and 19 inches long. Her hair looked dark but in the light it is definitely dark red. We will treasure the moments when we first found out we have a daughter...it was difficult not knowing baby's gender the entire pregnancy but the excitement and surprise in the delivery room was a blessing and bonding moment for Jonathan and I which we will never forget. As I wrapped my arms around Eloise, I was also thinking about holding Denson as well and how full my heart is with two babies. I wanted my mom to bring him to the hospital that moment, but being so late it was better to wait until morning. I missed him so much and he visited first thing Thursday morning. It took a week for him to warm up to Eloise but he loves on her all day everyday now and is full of laughter and love. The first night we were home, I broke down into tears because Jonathan took him upstairs for his bath and bedtime and he wailed "mommaaaaaa" with the biggest tears and most pitiful cry. I was nursing Eloise at the moment and physically felt pulled in two directions. At that moment, I worried how can my heart handle loving two babies but I soon learned how quickly Denson would adjust and not only that, but how much he loves her. I also know my heart
can handle loving two...It is an incredible feeling that is impossible to describe.
To think about the past year and where we are now is amazing. God has led us each step of the way and I would have never imagined being where we are now but it is more fulfilling than we deserve. We trusted God and moved to tiny town Vidalia and within 10 months, Jonathan accepted a new job and we were moving to Kennesaw. Here I was eight months pregnant and we still owned our house in Vidalia (with a struggling market and no foreseeable buyer), but we find an incredible house to rent in a perfect neighborhood for Denson to enjoy. Then, as we are in the hospital having Eloise, our realtor is calling, telling us we have an offer on the house...how incredible! Finances are taken care of along with every other need. God rewards us for trusting him and being obedient...and He always provides even in the darkest times when we don't feel there is anything to celebrate-He has His hand on us.
