Larken’s Birth Story
You have finally arrived and we couldn’t be more in love. You are a gift from the universe - born of moon dust and bright star bits. I can’t stop staring at you. It’s all been so surreal. Your arrival marked a turning point in our lives. You are the missing piece of our life puzzle we didn’t even know we were missing and now we can’t imagine a world without you in it. We feel so fortunate to be your momma and daddy. Welcome to the world, Larken. Life is so much brighter with you in it.
Nine months I dreamt of the day we would meet. To feel each other on the outside deepening our connection as we had become so close during the time I held you within me - safe, secure and tucked tight inside my belly. I was curious of every move you made. Curious of which body part poked it’s way out of my belly. Wondering if you would hiccup as much on the outside as you did on the inside (which you do). Wondering whose features you would have, what your personality would be like, what it would feel like to hold you in my arms. I never could have imagined the amount of love that would boil up deep within me when they placed you on my chest. My world and my heart exploded.
The anticipation of your arrival was intense. I waited with baited breath. You were due on August 24th and every day leading up to that day we said was going to be the day. Except you decided you weren’t ready to see the outside world just yet and so I was scheduled for an induction on August 29, 2016 at 5:00am. The night before your arrival, your dad and I went to dinner chowing down on crab legs which we have done on many momentous occasions in our relationship. We talked about our excitement, our fear, our love, our anticipation, and joy. We celebrated and got ready to welcome you into our lives. I went to bed wondering how I could possibly sleep that night and somehow I did until 1:50 am. when I started to have contractions. I suddenly felt so calm, you were ready. Now you and I were moving towards the same end goal and we were in it together. The fears of birthing you melted away as I felt an aching in my soul to hold you with each contraction.
We arrived at the hospital at 5:00am, getting settled into our room as the sunrise filled the sky with varying shades of baby girl colors as though it were preparing for your arrival as well. Throughout labor your heartbeat remained steady and strong and was a comforting sound as I breathed through the contractions. Time both stood still and flew. I had no real sense of it. Your dad, Memaw and Auntie Kari were all in the room with us as we prepared slow and steady for what was to come. They provided so much love, support and encouragement. They made us feel like we could move mountains. And boy did we.
You arrived at 4:21 pm. I remember hearing your first breath and your cry as they laid your sweet body on my chest and we connected our bodies warming each other. We celebrated your arrival as a healthy, beautiful baby girl weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz and 20.5 inches long. You had a full head of hair that everyone commented on. It’s still the first thing people say when they see you for the first time. I remember the look on your dad’s face. Tears of joy filling his eyes as I saw the love swell from his toes! And your memaw and auntie staring at your sweet face and falling in love.
You are our world, sweet girl. Welcome to the family.
