On April 18, 2008 I worked all day teaching second grade at Salem Lutheran School in Springdale, Arkansas. I had been dilated to a 5 for a week, but I just had to finish the week and make it through CPR training Friday afternoon. During the training I was contracting a bit and was really out of breath. One of my friends offered to drive me home, but I was ok and made it home safely. Mike brought Subway home for dinner. I was contracting pretty regularly, but I guess since it was my first baby and my due date was still three full weeks away I wasn't sure if we should go in :) I made Mike install the carseat and I finished up a couple of other things. I wanted to clean the house and vacuum (so everything would be perfect!) but it was pretty obvious that Josey was on his way! It was the most uneventful trip to the hospital ever, not dramatic or exciting like we had expected, ha! We decided to stop by Walmart so Mike could get a few things. I remember thinking as I walked very slowly toward the checkout "Oh wow, I'm really uncomfortable. I think this is really happening!" We got to the hospital and they checked me. The nurse didn't really say anything so I asked if we would be staying. She laughed and said "We normally don't send people home when they are 6 centimeters dilated!" I called family at about 11:00 pm and told them we were going to be parents! My mom, Laura, Mike's mom, and Deb showed up and hung out while I waited for something to happen. I continued to dilate without any real pain at all. Dr. Schmitz came in at 2:05 and broke my water. The pain became intense in about 30 minutes. Crazy back pain! I didn't have any pain medicine AT ALL! I was really set on delivering naturally. Less than 20 minutes of pushing and I delivered our beautiful miracle boy, Josey Alexander Smith on April 19, 2008 at 3:52 am!! He was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches long with a head full of hair. I remember just looking at him in disbelief. He was beautiful and perfect. Mike said his first thought was that he was relieved he really was a boy, haha!
It seems like just yesterday, and a lifetime ago at the same time. I have said before that April 19, 2008 was the day when I knew why I was on this Earth. It was the day I became a Mommy. Josey has been with us for the best and worst moments of our lives. He truly saved me when we lost Johnny, Jaxsen, and Asher. Some days I was so grief stricken that I could hardly stand, but one look at my sweet Josey and I knew I could go on. He has completely had my heart from the first moment I felt him move in my tummy. I am so proud of the big boy he has become. He is loving, smart, hilarious, goofy, sweet, and amazing! Seeing him become a big brother to Gavin this last year has been wonderful. He loves his baby brother more than anything. He is gentle, patient, and kind eventhough it has been a huge adjustment after four years of being our one and only. Bubba- Mommy loves you to the moon and back! I am so proud to be your Mommy!
