A Family Affair

Dear Baby Girl,
It's me, your midwife. I first met your mother when she came to me suspecting she was pregnant. An ultrasound showed a 10 week little you with a strong, steady heartbeat. While you were a little unexpected, you were very wanted. Over the next 10 weeks, your sister Hannah prayed you were a girl. I had the pleasure to watch the video of your sister cutting a cake that would be either pink or blue...the squeals of joy were priceless as she yelled, "I'm having a sister!" I have grown very fond of your mother and your siblings, as they were able to come to a few prenatal visits. I did not get to know your Dad very well until your birth day, but I can tell he is an awesome father. Now let's talk about that special day.

Your Mom opted for a natural childbirth. She also wanted your brothers and sister to be present during your birth. She prepared your siblings so well by describing the all the sounds and sights of a birth. She had them watch a few birth videos so that nothing would too much a surprise. This would be a first for me having a 10, 8 and 6 year old in a delivery room. It takes a very poised Mom to pull off giving birth without scaring her other children...something I did not feel I could do almost six years before with the birth of my own son. Your Mom made it look easy as she rocked on the birth ball and would become silent with each contraction, then flash a reassuring smile to your siblings when it was over. Your oldest brother Jacob, would come over every now and then to whisper into her ear, "Are you okay?" He would also be the one standing outside the bathroom door and peeking in while I sat with your mother while she labored in the tub. At this point, we knew you were close. Your brother would look at me with a little man's eyes full of concern but amazing calm.

All the births I attend move me and I feel so lucky to get to be a part of something so beautiful and miraculous. Your birth is one I will not soon forget... Your mother had moved back to the bed to birth you. She was surrounded by so much love as your siblings and Dad stood around her head. You did not take long to appear but in that short time there was enough love to last a lifetime as your sister whispered to your mother, "You are doing so good, Mommy" as your oldest brother put his hand on her forehead as if to comfort. Your other brother William made me chuckle as he looked on through his fingers as he covered his eyes. Your Dad of course, was the rock that held you all up. There was not a a dry eye in the room as you made your grand appearance and I had to choke back my own tears so I could focus on my tasks. Your new little cries were met by laughter from your siblings, as Hannah exclaimed, "That's my sister!" As I placed you on your mother's abdomen, you were enveloped by eager arms and hands. So much love and joy.

Happy Birthday Lucy, you are one lucky little girl.


As always, this was written with permission.