Big Sister

I'm working on getting Alice's birth story down, but in the meantime, my mom wrote a post on her blog about the day of Alice's birth that I wanted to share here.  She wrote it to Eliza, who was with us the whole day and was right there to welcome her little sister into the world.  So proud of my big girl.

Dear Big Sister,

You did it; you were even there! I can't believe how amazingly wonderful and calm you were through the birth of your sister. When I arrived at your house yesterday morning, I found the whole family sitting on the bed. You were watching Mr. Rogers (the episode about having a baby in the house!) and you were bouncing. But then when your mom would have a pain, you looked over and rubbed her leg. Then you'd bounce again! You were so tender. We stayed on the bed and then I remembered that Grandpa was downstairs and I told you and you disappeared! Happy to see someone devoted just to you, I bet. You showed what a strong girl you are, not just physically this time but emotionally as well.

When we arrived at the hospital, you snacked and watched a nice movie on Mama's computer, took many trips to the family room with Grandpa, read lots of books, played with some toys and stickers that you had brought in your bag and in general acted so, well, responsible. When things got intense, and Mama started to push, I called you and Grandpa into the room again and you sat on the stool next to me. Your mom and dad had prepared you so well. They had you try to lift a table so you could practice the same noises that you might hear in the labor room. You stroked your mom's hair and you didn't seem frightened at all. I kept in contact with you, rubbing your back and talking to you so you'd know everything was OK. It's hard to hear someone you love in pain, isn't it?

Your mom and dad were so glad you were there. Your mom felt better having you close so you could be a part of this whole amazing miracle. Your mom was present for Uncle Reid's birth; she says it was her first memory. She was a bit younger than you, 2 3/4 yr, so you should have a little bit better chance of remembering it. When the head was crowning, your mom's head was in my lap and you were right next to us, leaning way over to see your sister and "she popped out" at 2:06 pm. "Welcome to the world, little girl". (That saying was on your wall in your old house and now is in your sister's room. Your mama made it and it says so much!! - thank you for sharing it.)

Alice Rose looks very different than you. She has a little bit rounder head and face, more like her daddy. Her complexion looks darker too although that is hard to say so early. She was pretty purple when she was born but she got 8, 9 for Apgars. You gave her a little kiss. Grandpa took such good care of you during the whole process. He was there just for you so you could come an go as you pleased. It was so nice that your mama's labor started in the morning so you were rested and could come to the hospital and be part of this.

At 6 pm, I traded the car seat to Uncle Reid's car and you went home to stay overnight with them. You picked their house and tonight you'll stay with me and Grandpa and Orvis of course. You went to the barn to see the horses and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Happy Big Sister Day, love.