Four Years.

Four years ago today, at this time, I was at the hospital.

Contractions. Ouch.

"Well, Melissa, you are dilated, but your water hasn't broken yet. We suggest that you go home and sleep. It's going to be awhile before the baby comes. Probably not until tomorrow."

Are you kidding me? Sleep with this much PAIN?

So, home I went.

I took a small snooze, and then woke up.

Brandon had gone to Dairy Queen to get me chicken strips, and got himself a Jimmy John sub.

He walked in the door, and was greeted with...

"OUCH! GET ME THE HELL TO THE HOSPITAL!"

... He looked longingly at his sub...

"Right now? Like this minute? Do you want to eat first?"

"NO! GET ME TO THE *(@(*#! HOSPITAL!"

Finally, back at the hospital... and finally, an epideral.

Around 2:30, they broke my water.

Minutes ticked by...

Snoozed some more...

And then it was time to push.

The room was filled with nurses, a med student, and my OB.

All women.

Then there was Brandon.

I pushed... and pushed... and pushed... and PUSHED.

"Wow, Melissa, it must not be hard work, because you're barely sweating."

Death stares, from all the women in the room, directed at Brandon.

(He learned with the next 2 children to keep his mouth shut.)

6:24 p.m. arrived... and so did my sweet, first born.

7 pounds, 10 ounces to love.

The first year went by quickly...

Another pregnancy, with my sweet Maggie.

And then, Samantha turned one.

My sweetie pie, enjoying her cake... enjoying her life.

Growing, learning, being an amazing big sister.

Another year. (And yes, another pregnancy.)

2 years old.

Sammy girl... still growing, and really talking, making me laugh every day.

Another year went by.

She became a big sister again.

All three of my precious children.

And now, another year.

She fills each day with laughter.

She brings a crazy hilarity to life.

She is an amazing big sister... watching out for her sister and brother... being a little mommy each and every day... having me remind her that she's just a kid, and mommy will take care of things.

Four years old.

*Sigh.*
Where did the time go?

I'm very sad... because I truly feel as if I missed out on so much of her life, and Maggie & Gavin's life as well in the last 4 years.

Pregnancies were... rough.

Life was... rough.

Headaches fill each day.

I missed out on so much because of the pain.

Samantha, Maggie, and Gavin, are growing up so quickly.

My sweet Samantha, Happy Birthday.

I love you more than words can describe.

You bring such a light to life.

You make me laugh.

You make me smile.

Your happiness is contagious.

I am blessed to be your mommy.

I love you.

Mommy