They call it “terrible” twos!!!!

It is hard to believe that 2 years ago today our littlest princess was brought into this world—quite unexpectedly, I might add! The story goes something like this……
Yes, I was catering a dear friend’s wedding! I know, call me crazy, but I had given a commitment to do it over a year before so there was no getting out of it that time.  It was a crazy week of shopping, food preparation, and lots of other fun stuff. Thankfully I had 2 sweet friends helping me much of the time, but this was a BIG wedding so LOTS of food was on the menu! In addition to the buffet items (a mile long) I cut and arranged fruit centerpieces for over 20 tables (of which no one ate—for which I am still a bit bitter about)  and we made individual sandwiches for each table too. It was crazy, but it turned out beautiful.
Regardless of the crazy and hectic schedule, stresses, and running around I felt just fine. I was tired, but never encountered any contractions or such. Once the wedding party came through and the bride and groom left, we started the “not-so-fun” job of cleaning up! It was around that time that I started smelling a weird smell and when someone else mentioned the smell, I got a sneaking suspicion that it was me. (I know, gross, huh? Just keeping it real) It wasn’t body odor either. So, I conveniently slipped out and rushed to the bathroom only to find that my water had broke. I never had felt a gush of fluid or anything. But, when one is sweating buckets from manual labor one may not notice the gush of fluid???
Needless to say, I quietly phoned my hubby and told him and asked him to get all the bags from the closet for the kids to go to someone’s house (yup, I was 6 weeks early and I had packed the bags 2 weeks before—can never be too sure). Then, I quietly slipped into the lobby to talk to my friend who happens to be a nurse. I was trying to be really inconspicuous so as to not disrupt family goodbyes and people visiting. But, it was like as soon as people saw me on the phone and away from the kitchen everything went helter skelter! It was funny actually, and I found myself chuckling at the hustling and bustling that came from many!
About 15 minutes later we were on our way for, yet another, adventure in child birth! I know, I am weird…I actually look forward to labor! Honestly, after all I go through in pregnancies, labor is nothing and it is just one step closer to feeling normal again and having a little one to cuddle in my arms. Once we got to the hospital they were a bit skeptical that my water had broke and since I wasn’t really having contractions it sounded like they were going to send me home! NO WAY, BUDDY! was my response. Shortly after they said that they confirmed my water had broke—sometimes I wonder if doctors/nurses just think moms are stupid…especially a mom who had already had 2 babies before.  (just a lil’ rant)
So, off to a room I went! Contractions started off and on and I actually did an epidural for the first time. I went all natural with my first two, but with all back labor, and being here soon enough for this option, I chose the epidural! I had no idea what it would do for me or how I would feel, but it was AWESOME! I didn’t feel a thing and was chuckling and cutting up with the nurse during some of the (on screen) worst contractions. and to make a long story short I pushed twice and we beheld a beautiful baby girl. Detailed I am, huh?
Madelynn Grace was placed in NICU for a week, but we are thrilled to see how the Lord has developed her and grown her into a sweet bundle of complete personality! Happy Birthday, sweet girl, Mommy and Daddy love you!!!
Moral of the story….don’t cater a wedding 6 weeks before your due date!
Then…..

Now….