Saturday, November 29, 2008

Shelby's Story

This post was originally published two years ago on Shelby's birthday, but it's the story of when I became a mother, so I deemed it worthy of republishing on this day. We're having a Tinker Bell skating party later on today. I'll have more details (and I'm sure lots of pictures) to come later. For now, grab some cake and have a read.

On this day six years ago I gave birth to my first child. I became a mother for the first time. I must say that it was one of the happiest days of my life. The others being the day I gave birth to my second child, and the day I wed my husband. I have many blessings in my life, but by far my family is my most cherished.
Shelby was born in 2002 the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday as it is commonly referred. She was actually born ON her due date which is a very rare occasion. Thanksgiving was good. I ate more than my fair share of dinner. My sister in law made her famous SPICY Mexican chicken casserole. I ate WAY too much. I was up a big part of the night thinking that I was just having indigestion from the casserole. I could drink water and get heart burn at this point. So, anyhow I was up doing e-mail playing on the internet (I hadn't discovered the wonderful world of blogging as of yet) and I started having a few mild contractions. I dismissed it later as gas pains.

My sister and I had big plans to go to Wal-mart for the "Blitz" sale. They had a Christmas tree half price. Since I had thrown away my old ratty one the year before, it was VERY important to me that I get a tree for my soon to be baby girl. She must have a beautiful tree for her first Christmas. I was up around 4ish. I woke my sister up and we got ready for the adventure. I also woke hubby up because he had not been hunting all year because he was afraid he'd be in the stand when I went into labor. So, he got all his gear gathered up and headed to the woods as we headed to the battle grounds of Wal-mart!We were there about an hour before the sale actually started. We headed back to where they had the trees wrapped in black shrink wrap. We found our place and prepared for that moment when the shrink wrap was to be cut and we'd grab ours and proceed to the the check out counter. While we were waiting, we made friends with the folks around us. They helped us time contractions that started out at 10 minutes apart and quickly progressed to five minutes apart. Lots of the women there were concerned and told me that maybe I should go on to the hospital. I know that was just a ploy to get me away from the trees so they could have them all to themselves!!! Anyhow, when the time arrived they cut the shrink wrap from the trees and the nice people that were timing contractions with me turned into demons. There were people climbing on top of people and big Christmas tree boxes flying over my head. My sister helped me to get a box into our cart and we got the hell outta there. That was the first and ONLY time that I have ever been stupid enough to go to a Friday after thanksgiving sale! We made it to the hospital. Hubby made it there, although when we called him he was hysterical. He came straight from the deer stand to the hospital. He was fully dressed in camo when he arrived by my side at the hospital.

Little did we know that we'd be there for a while. At 5:02pm our first little bundle of joy arrived after a long 10 hours of labor. It was worth every hour, every minute. I would do it again in a heartbeat for her. If someone is out there reading this that does not have children, you cannot understand the love that you can have for another human being. Children are the greatest gift that God can give us. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and I always will. But, the love you have for your children is so different. I look at them and think to myself, WOW I helped to create this life. How in the world could I have had a hand in something so perfect!? (Then they wake up, but while it lasts, it's a good feeling)

Anyhow, Happy Birthday pumpkin.
Mommy loves you bunches...all the way to the top of the moon and back!

7 comments, add yours here:

Kara said...

Happy Birthday to Shelby!!!

Though I can't help but laugh at your "long 10 hours of labor". My shortest was 20hrs :P Lucky you lol. :D

Sandee said...

I hadn't read this before. I can so relate to it being worth it all, but yikes on that shopping trip to get a tree.

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Shelby,
Happy Birthday to you.

Have a terrific weekend sweetie. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

Sandra Carvalho said...

Happy Birthday Shelby!!!Congrats hotmomma! ;)
I loved this post!We do look a like so much!
I feel the same way about motherhood and children!
Beautiful post my dear!
And HAPPY B'DAY once again! :)
Love from us all!
xoxoxoxo

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, dear Shelby!
Alles Liebe zum Geburtstag :-)

"Happy Birthday" to you to, Tish - you know... the moment a child is born, the mother is born also.

Mimi Lenox said...

That is a lovely heartfelt post. We felt all those pains with you (well, not quite).
Happy Happy Birthday to Shelby.

She is quite a little Princess.

storyteller said...

I enjoyed your reminiscent post and want to wish Shelby a happy birthday ... belatedly!
Hugs and blessings,

Desert Songbird said...

I was just recounting the day my daughter was born with her just the other day. Precious memories, aren't they?

I hope your baby girl had a wonderful birthday.