Julia's Birth Story

Our bags were packed and we were on our way out the door. I kept going back to Marcus, hugging him, kissing him, telling him over and over how much Mommy loved him, and that the next time he saw me he'd see his baby sister, too. It was so much more emotional than I expected. 

As we made our way up the freeway the tears flowed freely. Knowing that our family of three was about to grow by one more was more than surreal. A moment I'd been waiting for for so long was finally here, and my emotions were monumental. Could I handle the c-section? Would it go more smoothly than with Marcus? So many thoughts swirled through my head.

Once to the hospital we checked in and got to our room. I changed into my gown and for about two hours we quietly waited, watching the monitor, noticing I was having small contractions. Surgery was quickly approaching and I prayed like I'd never prayed before, "Lord, please let this surgery go smoothly. Lord, please bring this baby girl into the world, healthy." 

Then it was time. A nurse took me to the OR where I was given a spinal block. Shortly after I was transferred to the OR table. I lie there, alone, looking around the bight, cold room listening to my doctor and nurses talk about every day things: their kids, what they wanted from the coffee shop after the surgery, plans they had for the weekend. And I just lie their hoping and praying Scott would come in soon. 

Moments before the incision was made a blue sheet went up over my abdomen and Scott entered, taking a seat by my head. Holding his hand he softly told me things were going well, I was doing great. And I couldn't help admit to him that I was scared, and again a few tears slipped down my cheeks. 

Before I knew what was happening my doctor said "We see her head. Scott get your camera ready and stand up."

Scott had a front row view of our daughter as she was introduced to the world. And unlike with Marcus, I didn't feel a thing. The entire procedure went exactly as planned. I couldn't believe it was all over.  

Then I heard her. Her loud incessant cries filled the room, and immediately filled my heart. I began to sob uncontrollably. She already had a firm grasp on my heart and I hadn't even laid eyes on her. 

Scott moved over to the table where our little lady went through the APGAR test, was weighed, measured, and wiped clean. 12:48 PST and she was really here. At 8 pounds 4 ounces, 20.5 inches long our baby girl was really here.

The nurse handed my sweet little lady over to me and Scott leaned in and whispered in my ear, "God has been so good to us. I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone other than you." All I could do was nod through the tears. 

I've been blessed beyond words.

Julia Kay Macke made her entrance loud, strong, and healthy as could be. 

Though she doesn't know it yet, she's completed our family, she's made us whole.