My sweet little Hailey bug turns 11 today.
Dear Hailey,
The night before you were born, I stayed home while dad went to his softball game. I lay in bed and had a dream. In my dream, I saw Jesus holding you, snuggling you, and then sending you down to me. That was an amazing experience for me. Even though I had NO idea you were coming the very next day, someone else knew.
I remember well the day you were born. I went in for my weekly Dr. appt., thinking that I still had 2 weeks to go.
When Dr. Later checked me, he looked at me with this surpised look on his face. He said, "you are dialated to an 8". Then he checked me again, I think to make sure that was correct.
I sat there thinking, "ok, so what do I do now? I'm not feeling any pain. Isn't it supposed to hurt?" Then I started to bawl. "I'm not ready!!"
Then Dr. Later said: "Go downstairs, you're having a baby today."
WHAT??
I totally wasn't ready. I didn't have a bag packed. We weren't finished taking our pre-natal classes. Why am I not feeling any pain? (not that I was complaining, but that is usually a good indicator that you're in labor.)
I went down to the 2nd floor, labor and delivery. I got hooked up to all kind of monitors. They had to stick a little monitor on your head because your heart rate was so quiet.
Of course, the wimpy person I am, I asked for an epidural even though I was feeling absolutely nothing as far as pain goes.
The epidural was not a fun experience, and right afterward I was checked again, fully efaced and dialated to a 10. So, really it was pointless to get the epidural. I felt you come out, (sorry folks, sounds a bit gross) but not being fully numb, I had the burning feeling as your head came through.
Then there you were. I can't describe the amazing feeling, except to say I felt very loved, and loved you more than I have ever loved anything in my life. (besides your dad, but its different) I looked at your squished up, blue and pinkish face and wondered if I would be a good enough mommy for you. If I could teach you all that you needed to know to stay close to Heavenly Father, and follow Him. I just held you and kissed you. That night, when no one was in our room except you, Dad and me, the spirit was wrapped around us like a blanket. We felt so loved. We felt blessed. We still continue to feel that way because of you.
7 lbs. 5 oz. and the cutest thing I had ever seen. You hardly cried. You smelled so good too. Dad gave you your first bath and then stayed the night in the hospital and slept with you on his chest. You loved sleeping that way until you were about 2 and then you were just too big.
You have been the most amazing daughter. You are such a good example. You teach your sisters how to follow their dreams. You set your mind to something and you do it. That is such a great quality, and to have learned it so young, you will be blessed your entire life for it.
You are a very sensitive girl too. I remember one time when you were about 2, and we were in church. Dad got up to bear his testimony. You were a busy little one but as soon as you heard your dads voice, you stood up on the bench and just watched him and listened to Dad's testimony all the way to the end. The spirit spoke to my heart that day that you were special. Of course I already knew that, but you are sensitive to the spirit.
You are also very good with little children. I love watching you with your little sister as well as your cousins. You are not afraid to show love. I love that about you.
You are so good at piano, school, reading, soccer, basketball and anything else you love. I admire you so much Hailey. You will always be our Hailey bug, Bubba, Haybug, Hayee, soccer cutie! Your family loves you!
I'm so blessed to be your mommy and love watching you grow into a beautiful young woman! You are beautiful inside and out!
Happy Birthday!
Love, Mom
