Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Entering eight years.


Today my oldest turns eight. Hannah is a vibrant, loving, nurturer. She is kind and thoughtful, loyal and sweet. She sings and dances, and has a delightful sense of humor. She is a doll in every way.

I took these pictures yesterday afternoon. She's lovely isn't she? Hannah is entering a bright eight year old's world, and I'm entering yet another year of motherhood. Which at this particular moment, I'm not too fond of, as Olivia is still fighting me tonight on bed time.

I remember being pregnant with Hannah and wanting so badly for her to be born. And, of course, she was, and I had no clue what I was doing.

I ended up having Hannah a few weeks early due to Toxemia. My blood pressure was very high and my kidneys started to shut down, my OB decided to induce me. I was in labor for 47 hours. My epidural didn't work most of the time, and I had an episiotomy from hell, cut from sea to shining sea, if you know what I mean. Hannah was too large to pass through the birth canal and got stuck on the way out. 2 nurses and my anesthesiologist took turns getting on top of me and rammed, yes rammed, Hannah out of my body. I remember pushing with all my might, nearly passing out. Hannah finally slipped out and was nearly dead. Earlier my OB had called in the neo-natal team so assistance was ready and waiting. My doctor held Hannah high in the air and she was dark blue and hung like a rag doll in his hands. I remember shrieking "what did you do to my baby?", as he passed the limp baby onto to the next set of hands. She failed her initial screenings for life, and was feverishly worked on. It was then that I heard the most beautiful sound I had ever listened to - the very most faint sound of a new born's cry. She had pulled through. She was bruised heavily, as was I, but we made it... the pair of us did. Andrew nearly passed out from all of the blood, but he soon recovered and jumped into fatherhood head first. A few days later my husband and I brought Hannah home, and this life, as we know it now began. I just cannot believe my good fortune and immeasurable blessing becoming a mother has brought to my life. I love my life's calling with all of my soul. I love my little Hannah, my other children, and the children I still hope to bear with every ounce of my being.

So here we are, still making it through this life together, my children, husband, and I. I love this little girl with all that I am. Happy Birthday, sweet Hannah. You've made my dream of becoming a mother come true. I am every thing with you.



19 comments:

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely GORGEOUS!
I am so sorry you had such a difficult labor with her. Thank goodness she pulled through (and you TOO!!)

Ashley said...

Wow, how scary for you all. I am so glad she was such a strong baby. Must come from her Mama. I was such a grouch with my first delivery, I might have smacked someone jumping on my stomach. She is just beautiful. Happy Brthday to your cutie pie!

just jamie said...

Okay first of all SHE.IS.STUNNING. Gorgeous photos "My MIsty."

And next, are you KIDDING me on the birth story? How truly scary? Obviously the story has a happy ending, but oh my gosh...?!!

Happy Birthday Hannah.

Lindsey said...

What a meaningful post! How scary for you!!!! She is truly beautiful!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Pokeyann said...

As beautiful as ever! And such a sweetheart too.

Klin said...

Holy birthing nightmare!

Happy Birthday Hannah. What a beautiful child.

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

Oh my gosh Misty, that is a very scary story about Hannah's birth! Makes my c-section look like nothing ;-) I am so glad she was alright.

She's a beautiful girl and I see lots of her Momma in her. Happy Birthday Hannah!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Happy Birthday Hannah! She's absolutely beautiful.

Mandi said...

Oh Misty - I have tears running down my face, just so amazing, she is absolutely beautiful!!!! I love the last photo - simply stunning!!! I hope you are well and I will email you soon, have a wonderful week - luv Mandi

Linda said...

Hannah, with the face of an angel...that's what I see!

Happy Birthday beautiful 8 year old Hannah!

Are You Serious! said...

♡ She is so sweet! OH MY GOSH on the 47 hours! I'm surprised they didn't do a c-section! I'm so glad that she is strong and healthy now! What a beautiful blessing! :)

Thompson family said...

I'm glad both you and her lived to tell the tale! You are both so beautiful!

Marie Rayner said...

What a beautiful little girl. You are such a special lady and a wonderful mother. I loved reading your words. All I ever wanted to be from the time I was young was a mom and a wife. I failed abysmally as a wife, but I like to think I did ok as a mother. I hope that Hannah had the most wonderful birthday ever!

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

Wow, what a story! Glad you both made it through that!

Mary said...

Awww Misty, she IS lovely :)
Happy Birthday Hannah!

What a story! You must have been scared to pieces when you had to birth your second one. My goodness!

Laski said...

The story pulled at my heart. Catching my breath . . .

Happy Birthday to you, sweet mama.

And,

To your darling daughter. She personifies JOY. Radiates it.

Hmmm. I wonder how that happened :)

Anonymous said...

I remember the day you called and said that you had her. I also remember when I met her for the first time :)

Amy said...

What a special girl! I hope she had a wonderful birthday!

TUTU Monkey said...

Happy Birthday Hannah! Those pictures are lovely!! Here smile is contagious...:)