A beautiful day o' birth...

St. Patrick’s Day really doesn’t get any better than this year.  Trust me. 

Just when it seems like there is no good news and I’m ultra-stressed and overwhelmed with life, an unexpected phone call leads to something incredibly beautiful.  I was spending this past weekend at my mom’s with the kids as Trav was working on finishing our basement.  I woke up Sunday morning to a text from my brother, Zak, saying that Samantha’s water had broke and that they’d be going to the hospital shortly.  About a month prior, Samantha had asked my sister and I to be in the room with her when she gave birth.  What an honor.  So, with that news, Uncle Andy assumed daddy daycare (5 kids is no easy feat)…and my sister and I made the journey to Methodist Hospital in Rochester to await the birth of our newest niece or nephew! 

This isn’t MY birth story, so I will only say that it was simply beautiful.  I can’t even describe the “feeling” in the room.  I had always thought that labor/delivery was a private moment to be shared by husband and wife.  So many unknowns and maybe it was easier to be alone……?????  But Samantha proved me wrong.  If I could have a vaginal birth, that is how I’d want it to be.  It was magical.  A room full of people that LOVE them.  Five women (my sister and I, Zak’s mom, Sam’s mom, and Sam’s sister).  All mommies ourselves.  The hours passed.  We laughed and joked around and distracted Samantha from some of the pain…and though some moments were tougher than others for Sam, it just flowed and before we knew it we were witnessing a MIRACLE!!!  Samantha.  Rock Star.  This sweet girl that has been a part of our family since she and Zak started dating in what seems like middle school, like seriously, forever ago!  She became this rock star mommy!  She made it look easy.  The tears flowed and the room was THICK with love…so much love.  For Zak and Sam and for the new baby they had just welcomed into the world.  A perfect little girl that we will all love with all of our hearts for as long as we live.  Oh.  My.  Gosh.  Amazing.  What a gift!!! 

It goes without saying that yesterday was my HIGH of the year.  Thank you to Zak and Samantha for letting all of us be a part of such a beautiful day.  I’m so proud of both of you!!  I won’t forget this St. Patrick’s Day…and I love that little Miss B to pieces!!!