The Journey into Parenthood

August 20th forever changed Steve and me as we were blessed to welcome our first child, Karis Ann Valentine, into the world.  This was an amazing day filled with so many sweet memories. 

I had hoped not to have a c-section, but due to the baby's position (being breeched) our doctor scheduled the c-section for Friday, August 20th.  My mom came into town a week earlier since I was having contractions and could have gone into labor before the 20th...thankfully (for my safety and our baby) I did not go into labor and we showed up to have a c-section that Friday as scheduled.  During the week before Karis arrived when my mom was here I began maternity leave from work.  We speant time cleaning around the house, finishing last minute projects before Karis arrived and spent time enjoying each other's company.  I enjoyed this week of "waiting" for our daughter and was blessed to have my mom here, in more ways than I can even begin to share.  There is just something special about having your mom around!

Last week of my pregnancy

Steve and Me

Mom and me

Even cousin Charlotte was excited to meet Karis!

Mom and I hanging out at the pool

Steve and I just before our pre op appointment the day before delivery

Thursday night was filled with much excitement!  We were making sure all bags were packed and ready to go for the next morning and went to bed with anticipation of what the following day would hold for us as a family.  Thankfully, we all got a great nights sleep and were very rested the following morning!  All bags were loaded into the car, pictures were taken and we headed off to the hospital.  I think the 35 minute drive to the hospital was pretty sureal...it was crazy to think we were on our way to the hospital to meet our daughter for the very first time! 

Diaper bag all packed and ready to go!

At the hospital just before delivery

With Mom at the hospital

Once we got the hospital and checked in, we headed up to the 2nd floor and met up with our nurse for the day (aka Aunt Lala) and began preparations for the c-section.  A final ultrasound was done to see if Karis had flipped to head down position, but she had not, so preparations for the c-section continued.  I don't really like to be poked and proded but it was great to have my sister-in-law there and be the one caring for me (and Steve too)!  We were so blessed to have Lauren as one of the nurses that day!  She has been a blessing to Steve and I in so many different ways over the years and we love her so much.

Lauren and me before surgery

Steve and me before the c-section

One of the best surprises that morning before we went in for the c-section was when Lauren came into our prep room and asked if I would like to have my mom in the operating room.  I responded with, "can she be in the room?"  (See we were under the impression that only Steve would be allowed in the operating room with me).  Lauren responded with a very affirming "YES"!  Of course we said yes with much excitement! So Lauren called my mom from the waiting room and told her the good news and said hurry up and get ready!  I had hoped for my mom to be in the delivery room, but with a c-section we thought it wouldn't happen, but it did after all and I am so thankful she got to be in there and to be a part of us welcoming Karis into the world.

As you can see, mom was very excited too!

As I was wheeled into the delivery room, I was filled with so much anticipation with the thought of getting to meet our daughter soon but also with a little uncertainty (mostly about the surgery part).  It was comforting to have my best friend and husband by my side, holding my hand, just as excited to know what our daughter would look like, how she would sound when she first cried and how we would feel becoming parents.  The moment Karis was raised up out of my belly, they told Steve and mom to stand up and look over the curtain to get the first glimpse of our little baby girl!  I so badly wanted to be able to look over the curtain too and see her sweet face but as soon as I heard her crying, I just began to cry too.  I couldn't believe that the sound of the cry was my daughter, such an amazing moment.  At this point, Steve was able to go over and watch the doctors do the initial assesment of Karis and mom stayed by my head to give me the play by play of what was going on.  Shortly after (even though it seemed like such a long time) they brought Karis around the curtain and put her in my arms.  I felt so many different emotions, mostly joy and helplessness.  Joy of course because I was staring into the face of my brand new daughter and helplessness because she was crying and I couldn't do anything in that moment (on the operating table) to soothe her or calm her down as any mother would want to do! 

Waiting for Karis to enter the world

My sweet hubby holding my hand

Karis Ann just shortly after arrival

Anxiously waiting to get to see her

meeting my daughter

First family photo

our nurse, Aunt Lala

   One of my favorite pictures-Steve and mom looking in at Karis

Tiny toes

Post surgery

Steve and his brother, uncle Rob, holding Karis

Cousin Charlotte was excited to meet her first cousin!

The few days following in the hospital were a blur.  I was in pain a lot of the time from the c-section, but I enjoyed every moment of studying our precious new gift from the Lord.  All the 'firsts' of becoming a parent began in the hospital as we learned how to change diapers, feed our daughter, how to calm her down when she was crying and MANY more lessons that we're still learning to this day!  

Karis all swaddled up

Steve and I both feel very blessed and honored that the Lord would choose us to become parents.  We take very seriously the responsibility of raising our child, to be praying for her and teaching her about the Lord and raising her in a home that would model the supremacy of Christ in all things.  By God's grace only will we be able to do all of these things well...and when we don't, we pray the Lord's grace will abound even more.

Excited for the Journey,

Jenny