My Girl

Fifteen years ago yesterday, I received the biggest surprise recorded in my lifetime. I was handed a baby, by the midwife on call, who proudly announced, "It's a girl!"

I was shocked to say the least. I was convinced I was having another boy as this second pregnancy had pretty much been identical to my first. My weight gain, cravings, even my first contractions were a week early from the baby's due date, just like the first time. Yep, I was convinced it was another boy.

Despite that fact, we were a bit unprepared when, on a Saturday morning, I calmly told my husband today is the day. Heck, we hadn't even settled on a boy's name. (Which caused me to do a quick recall of boy names used in Beatles songs. Yes, I tried to push for Jude.) 

During the night prior, the baby was extremely active which made it hard to get any housework done. I had been looking forward to catching up on the week's mess as I was working part-time, had a two-year-old boy and a three-year-old beagle.  

We had been told that as the baby got bigger it would likely run out of room and move around less. Not this kid. It was almost as if she was trying to get out any way she could. The kicks and punches were frequent and there was no indication this little one was slowing down. I was comfortable in the knowledge her due date was still a week away. 

Oh the difference a day makes. We were at the hospital by 1 p.m. I had chosen to have my delivery at the Midwifery Center at DePaul. We were living in Virginia and this was an option that was available to us. The center was attached to a hospital so I had peace of mind in case emergency medical assistance was needed. The delivery room was a huge bedroom with a real King-sized bed, rocking chair, and a hot tub. 

Yes, the hot tub was the huge draw for me, which is ironic, but we will get to that in a minute. After having my first child, I wanted something different from the cold, antiseptic feel of my first delivery. I wanted to be comfortable and away from what a hospital has to offer. The midwifery was like home and it seemed perfect. 

Not long after our arrival, we were set up in our room. I was offered the opportunity to get in the hot tub and I was going for it. I was assisted into the water and slowly sunk beneath the warm bath. I found myself situated near a powerful jet which felt great along my aching back. A nurse brought me a cup of ice chips and I sat there amazed by how smoothly this labor was playing out. I mean it was more like a vacation at a Sandals resort. All that was missing was some reggae music and a cabana. 

Someone offered my husband the chance to join me in the hot tub to which I quickly shot an emphatic "NO". This was my vacation and I wasn't sharing. "You have to sit outside," I said. 

But just as quickly as my vacation began it abruptly ended. 

"Get me out!" I said. I knew that the baby was coming and I didn't want a water delivery. This little baby was the quickest of my three to make an appearance - in just a little over three hours from the time we arrived at the center. Baby number 2 was also my biggest weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz.

I remember the sheer joy I felt when she was handed to me. 'My little girl', I thought. I guess I didn't let myself admit how much I wanted to have a girl. But from the moment I looked at her I knew she was something special and after her first miserable, colicky months, I knew she was also a force to be reckoned with.

Now here we are 15-years-later. I hardly see that little one anymore when I look at her. I see a young lady who is like me and not like me all at the same time. She has my determination but times 10. She has my lack of patience but times 10. She has an abundance of confidence, like I've never had, and if somewhere in the cosmic universe she could have spoken with 15-year-old me maybe I wouldn't have been such a late bloomer. 

This child will always be "My Girl" no matter how old she gets. Even on days when she is more overcast than sunny I am thankful for this gift that, in the not so distant future, will find her wings and make an indelible mark on the world.