There’s a lot I want to say in this post, but it’s hard to come up with the words to say it…
I was welcomed to attend and document my niece’s birth by my brother Mark and my sister-in-law Jen. When I got the text that Jen was pretty sure she was in labor after being over a week past her due date I was beyond excited. Jada would be the first in-town cousin (well in the country cousin) for my boys and we were so happy our family was expanding.
After a long labor at home, her immediate arrival into this world turned into the scariest moment of my entire life. I can vividly remember exactly how it all played out. I remember how crazy that snow storm was that day. But that storm was nothing compared to one happening inside. I can remember how much my hands were shaking as tears streamed from my eyes. I can hear everyone’s voices yelling for her to breath. I remember calling my mother to tell her she didn’t have a heartbeat as I ushered the team of first responders into the house. I remember driving with my brother as we followed the squad to the hospital hoping for the best when we arrived at the ER. I remember how she looked as the team of doctors and nurses worked to intubate her. It is a day I will never forget.
As Jada turns one year old today I’ve been reflecting back on that very day she made her arrival. Through all the heartache that came with it, and all the struggles she continues to face, we must also celebrate the joy that is Jada. She has made our family bigger, stronger and better. The way she smiles over a silly sneeze with her little beaver teeth showing. Her big bright eyes just light up. My boys melt around her, getting as close to her as humanly possible. They love their Jada-bug. How could they not?
Her mother is one of the strongest, most positive people I know, and witnessing her labor for 36 hours was proof of this. She continues to show her amazing strength, as well as my brother, every day as they care and advocate for their daughter.
So here is the joy from Jada’s birth. My story ends just before she joins us earth-side…
