Billie

I remember so vividly (5 years ago) the six months that I prayed, pleaded, cried, and waited for God to bless Michael and me with a baby. And then, that day finally came! Michael left for work early, I took a pregnancy test, looked after 3 minutes with disappointment again, and got into the shower to get ready for work. My mood changed, however, when I got out and noticed the very faint + sign. Could it be a false positive since it took longer than 3 minutes to show up? I couldn't help but get somewhat excited, though. I went on to my office at the education coop, then went to the walk-in clinic at Charleston during my lunch hour. There was no way I could hide my smile when the doctor came in and said "You're definitely pregnant!"
"Finally, thank you God!"

I had to leave that night for a business trip to Arkadelphia, and Michael was going to ride with me to Little Rock and stay with his sister since he was off the next 2 days. So, when he got home, I met him at the door with a gift (one that I had been waiting to give him for so long). It was a Hallmark frame that said, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad!" His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he said, "Really?"

What happened next was funny and a little stressful. We made it to Little Rock, started unpacking the car, and I realized that I had left my garment bag with my business clothes in it at home. All the excitement had caused me to lose my mind for a moment (actually, I don't think I've gotten my mind back since having the kids...Ha!). So, with 20 minutes 'till closing, we set out for Target, the closest store that was still open.

The months that followed were exciting, with all the baby planning, especially since my sister was also expecting. I lost 14 pounds from being so sick the first few months, then gained 22 at the end of the pregnancy...an 8 pound overall gain was not so bad. I felt great after the morning sickness: my arthritis went into remission. Then, the due date came and went...the next day came and went...and the next day came and went. As much as I did not want to be induced, that time had come (I still think if doctors would let you go on your own, as long as there were no health risks at hand, everything would be fine). She just wasn't ready to meet us after 15 hours of labor, and the doctor said what I had really dreaded...it's time for a c-section. I cried and cried, so scared of being operated on and worried that the baby just wasn't ready.

Michael was with me in the operating room, and as she made her entrance to this world, he watched and said, "Mandy, you don't need to worry about her not being ready; she's a chunk!" I got to see her for only a second before she was taken to be cleaned, and I was taken to recovery (this is the major con that comes with having a c-section; you don't get to hold your baby for at least an hour after they're born). But, she was worth the wait! What a beautiful baby girl...a true miracle!

We waited until we had her with us in my room and our family was gathered around to announce her name (that was special to us, even though our family hated having to wait to hear the name).

Introducing BILLIE JAYDA...named after my grandpa Bill (otherwise know as BB). I miss BB so much, and I wish that he was here to see my kids, but I know he's watching over us in heaven. And my daughter is named after a very special man!