Early Wednesday morning, I lugged all my suitcases (5 of them!) - (with the help of Sarah and Beth) into the car and headed to the airport with Beth and Chelsea. Our Paris to Chicago flight went well and we even arrived early. Chelsea and I watched the Justin Beiber movie a couple times :)
Once I landed in Detroit, my parents, sisters and grandma were waiting for me. They even brought my dog, Rocky! It was great to see them all. They had American flags, flowers and a sign saying "Welcome home Hannah!" And, as some of you might know, my sister Olivia was pregnant - so other passengers commented, asking them if they were waiting for a solider to come home for the birth of his child. Haha! Nope, just me.
Instead of going straight home, I went and visited with some family friends I grew up with - the Hatfields. Kelli had just got engaged and Katie had a baby while I was in France! It was my first time to meet little Laedin! He is so cute! I ended up staying up until 1am Michigan time = 7 am France time! It was totally worth it.
THE NEXT DAY, - after we had taken some family pictures since we all knew Addison would be born soon - Olivia, my sister, got a call from the doctors office wanting to see her to check her fluid levels. I went with Olivia to the check up, and they told her she needed to have the baby! We came home, packed some bags, and Olivia went with Mom and Dad to the hospital.
Gracie, Joel, Luke and I were waiting at home for the call to come, when the time was nearer for the delivery. We didn't want to crowd the room too much! Dad called and said he would call again early in the morning. I was so tired and jet legged...
8 a.m. Dad called us - I was already awake since my body was telling me it was 2 p.m. AND I was super excited!!! - time to come in! We picked up Noah, Addison's brother and got to the hospital at 9:30 a.m.
They broke Olivia's water and 10:20 a.m. and the contractions started to increase immediately. Olivia went from 5 cm to 10 cm in under and hour (which is abnormal for first time mothers! Usually it's more like 1 cm per hour!) At 11:45 a.m. Addison Olivia was born! This was the first delivery I have ever seen. The miracle of birth is breath taking. The burst of life, emotion, joy!
Yesterday was a whirlwind of pictures, doctors, laughs, smiles and THE SMELL OF A NEW BABY! Addison is so cute! She looks just like Olivia and is very healthy. I am excited to be able to still be a part of her life as she grows and grows.
I want to take some time to thank God for allowing me to be here for this. It was my prayer since I found out seven months ago. Not only was I able to be here for the birth, but Addison is healthy, beautiful and sweet as can be. I can't wait to show her off to the world! He not only answered my prayer, but allowed me to be apart of this beautiful start of life! Thank you Lord!
