The Hazel

Last night I laid down to go to sleep. I realized it was after midnight and turned to my husband and said, "It's Hazel's birthday. Two years ago today. Do you remember that day?" We then began to reminisce on the little details of the day. There was so much going on. So many emotions running wild.  While we were waiting for the doctors to come and take me back into the operating room for my routine cesarean, my big, strong, brave, steady husband revealed to me that he was nervous. It was all becoming so real to him. Sure, we had 9 months to prepare, but while I was feeling every kick and movement- he wasn't. He only had his thoughts to prepare him for this new little perfect creation that would come into our lives.

I wasn't scared. I had been praying and asking others to intercede for me for weeks. I knew my biggest fear was not the surgery itself, but the spinal block they would have to perform prior to the actual surgery. I had my first spinal done when I was delivering Lila and, long story short, it was a disaster. But this time I was armed. This time I was covered.

Our dear friends and pastors, Alan and Jennifer were at the hospital before they took me into surgery. They prayed over us and I instantly felt a wave of peace. I was not afraid. I was not nervous. I was at complete peace. I went back into the OR and was all smiles and happiness. The nurses and doctors even commented on how upbeat I was. Apparently patients don't normally ask or care to know how they are doing today... Anyway, the anesthesiologist told me to bend forward and I knew this was it. The moment of truth. I took a deep breath and waited. Nothing. Ok.. Another deep breath. Hmm... "Ok, lay back. Let's get her legs up QUICK!" He was done?! The spinal was complete and they wanted my legs back up on the table before they became dead weight. But, I swear to this very day that I didn't feel so much as his hand touching my back, let alone a needle. That was God.

Next thing I know my husband is holding this amazing little person and our lives haven't been the same since.  The amount of laughter in our home has increased tenfold. The amount of love- even more. This little girl is so full of life that it's impossible to be cranky around her. She is terrified of giant stuffed animals and people in costumes. She is never afraid to try any food at least once, but her favorite is chocolate. Her obsession with balloons is like nothing I have ever seen before (she even asks for the CLEARANCE balloons at WalMart). Every toy is her "baby" (even balloons at times) and she loves them like so. She absolutely must have her "Piggy" or she can't sleep (this is besides the 15 other stuffed animals in her crib). She loves to sing and dance and twirl in a beautiful dress. She is a princess and she will tell you so. 


Although she looks almost identical to her daddy, and yes- she acts a lot like him too... she has my heart. I am so thankful that God entrusted me with this precious and perfect little girl. That He decided I was worthy enough to call her mine and get the honor of holding her and kissing her puffy cheeks every single day. I don't know what I did right to get this privilege, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that today I will spoil my already pretty spoiled child. I will let her get away with just about anything. I will let her choose how today will go. I will remember this day two years ago and I will praise God that we have had every day since.