Happy Birthday Anika!

I can't believe my baby is 1 year old today! One year ago today I was walking around wondering if today was the day. Contractions were coming and going, but not consistant. So I decided to do some shopping. As soon as I began walking around with a cart, contractions intensified, so I hung onto the cart and decided to head home, where again I began pacing back and forth wondering again if this was it! I did that all day long until Will got off work. As contractions grew closer I thought we'd better head for the hospital. On our way we hit traffic and of course contractions were less than a minute apart. I prayed all the way to the hospital that I wouldnt deliver this baby on the highway, and Will is lucky he didn't die in that car ride. We finally made it...but it was a LONG walk up to the maternity floor...with lots of groaning, crawling, and TONS of stares! There I was at 7 1/2 cenimeters being told I didnt have time for an epidural. But I made SURE they would do their best to TRY...and after a millions pokes of trying to find a vein I had some relief to my PAIN. Things moved very quick!! The doc came in to check me, my water BURST, and I was READY! A few long pushes and out came my beautiful healthy big baby girl.

Ahh, she was so gorgeous! There's nothing like looking at your sweet baby in the eyes for the very first time. I really didnt expect to get into my (quick) birth story, but I did, and hear I am all choked up. Anika is our last baby. She is so sweet and such a joy...definately living up to her name Anika Joy :). Well I'm off to celebrate her 1st birthday with great friends! Happy Birthday baby girl!