Kennedy's Birth Story

Oh my sweet Kennedy, how is it that she is almost 10 months old and I am just now writing the story of how she entered this world. I remember Kennedy's birth as being so empowering. So many things went wrong with my labor & delivery the first time around, so it was relieving to have this amazing birth I had been dreaming of. 
For weeks I told everyone she was going to come on March 30th, it was the perfect day because Nate had the weekend off work and he had a few days off of school. I was breastfeeding through my pregnancy so I was having Braxton hicks pretty early and was at risk for an early delivery. At 38 weeks I was dilated to a 2 and had my membranes swept for the first time at my check up. After my 2 pm appointment I took Emmalynn shopping and was having some serious contractions. I knew I wanted to labor at home this time and I was not going to the hospital until after I put my daughter to bed at 8 pm since she had never spent a night away from me and was still breastfeeding to sleep. So I went home to labor and wait for her bed time and for Nate to get home from school. Nate got home around 9 pm after she was in bed and wanted to go to the hospital but I wasn't ready, I had so many false alarms the first time and I wanted to make sure this was really it. I slept for a few hours then woke up at 12 and knew it was time. I got everything I needed ready then watched the latest episode of Scandal before I woke Nate to call his mom. While waiting for her to get to our house to watch Emmalynn I was in tears. I knew I had waited to long and needed the epidural NOW! The drive to the hospital was quick and when I got there it was 2:30 am & I was dilated to a 5. That wasn't enough to admit me so I couldn't have any pain medicine yet. Instead I labored in a jacuzzi tub for an hour and it was the Best. Thing. Ever. After I got out I was dilated to a 7 and admitted and got the epidural right away. We got comfortable and I took a quick nap before I woke up again knowing it was time. The nurse checked me then called the doctor in. After two quick pushes my sweet girl was here and on my chest but not crying. I was so worried I kept staring at her and she was staring at me but she hadn't cried yet. Finally the nurses took her and checked her over and her oxygen levels and everything we're fine so there was no cause for concern!  I couldn't believe how quick and easy the whole thing was. She was so perfect and peaceful those first few days and weeks. I remember being concerned she slept SO much. But it made the adjustment from a mama of one to two so easy. Baby wearing saved my life and I can't believe I didn't baby wear the first time around. The first time I strapped my squishy newborn babe to my chest I knew I missed out the first time around. The second time around I knew how fast it was going to go and I tried so hard to capture it all, to soak in all those baby cuddles, but time is a thief and the baby phase has already fluttered away. Although I love this adventurous toddler phase we're in and I don't ever want to forget how curious Kennedy is, I can't help but miss those days when all she needed was her mamas arms around her. This girl is a mama's girl and it makes my heart so full.