On July 15th, 22 and I went to dinner at FaveGirl's sister's house. It was actually a family birthday party for her cousin, so it was a good chance for us to get to know most of her family pretty well. The evening was really comfortable, as we'd hoped it would be, and we found ourselves feeling more connected than ever to FaveGirl.
When we got home from dinner (they live about an hour away from us), I texted her to thank her for the great time and to let her know how much we'd loved getting to meet everyone. I got a text from her shortly after saying how much they'd enjoyed it, too. By this time, it was around 10 PM. Less than 30 minutes later, I got a phone call from FaveGirl's dad. He said that we'd better pack a bag, because FG's water had just broke.
Ho.Ly.Crap.
He told us that he would call us from the hospital with updates and to get as much rest as we could that night, because it would be the last good night's sleep we'd have in a long time. What he couldn't have known is that we hadn't been sleeping much since the day FG told us she knew we were supposed to be her daughter's parents. What he probably imagined is that we definitely didn't get much sleep that night. With as much composure as two frantic people can have, we hurried about putting together the various items we'd need the second Baby Girl came home. We did laundry with the special dye free/scent free detergent you're supposed to use on baby clothes, watched multiple YouTube videos on how to install a car seat, set up the crib, sterilized bottles, etc, etc, etc.
At 5:30 AM on July 16th, we got a call saying that she wasn't much farther along, so she was being induced. At 1 PM, we got the call to get to the hospital ASAP.
We arrived at around 1:30 PM, and we were ushered straight into FG's hospital room. Her parents were there and her siblings were in and out. She was in good spirit's, particularly as she'd been given an epidural. Her doctor and nurses came in and out, checking on her, at which time 22 would politely leave. We ran downstairs for a snack at around 3:10 PM, and we got a text from FG's dad five minutes later telling us to get back upstairs immediately.
22 stayed outside for the delivery, but FaveGirl wanted me to stay (as did I). Baby Girl made her appearance after only about 25 or 30 minutes (3:45 PM). I saw her the instant she came out. It was the most surreal experience of my life. She was tiny! 5 lbs, 11 oz, 18.5 inches long. And with a ton of hair. But, she also was blue and had a crazy Pharaoh-esque cone head. I was awestruck, though, because as bizarre as that was, she was beautiful. They asked me what her name was, and I told them. In that moment, I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, is that really my baby?" As the nurse started cleaning her up, FG's mom waved me over to see her, and the second I saw her up close, I was through. All in. Done. In total and complete love. The nurse finished cleaning her up, and she asked me if I wanted to trim the umbilical cord more. I did it, and then she swaddled her up and gave her to me to hold. I don't even think I cried for the dumb grin plastered on my face. Then I remembered that Jeff didn't know.
A half hour after she delivered, FaveGirl was in a state to receive visitors, and 22 got to come in and see Baby Girl. It was beautiful to see his face - normally rather nonchalant - light up.
We stayed until late that night, holding Baby Girl and supporting FaveGirl and her family. FG was fantastic - already speaking to the reality she knew in her heart, that Baby Girl was ours. She didn't hold her unless we asked her if she wanted to, and she asked us if it was okay for anyone else to come in or hold her, etc. We felt really blessed by her love for us and Baby Girl. And her love for Baby Girl was obvious. When she'd hold her, she just stared with her heart in her eyes. It was very touching, and it only increased my love and gratitude and awe for FaveGirl.
We left our two girls at the hospital that night (with FG's mom), and went home to try (and fail) to sleep.
Tears. My goodness, I can't get enough of your story. I love it and you tell it so well. I am so impressed with FG. She is an amazing person. Hope you are getting a little more sleep now. :)
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