Nine years ago today, I was into my eighth hour of my twenty hours of labor for La Petite Belle.
This child did not want to leave the womb.
Original due date: September 16th. That was obviously a miscalculation.
After two weeks of stress tests to determine amniotic fluid levels, one overnight stay in the hospital to be induced and then sent home the next day after it was unsuccessful, another appointment set to be induced again the following week, long labor, and two hours of pushing, La Petite Belle finally arrived.
And, when she arrived, we knew we were in for a ride.
The doctor actually said,
“Do you want me to put her back in?”
The nerve.
Yes, she was loud.
That’s OK with us (most of the time). Quiet is overrated.
This baby girl continued to stick by her mama. There were nights when she wouldn’t go to her daddy, only mama. There were days where she cried most of the day because she wasn’t with mama. There were weekends where she was pulled off of mama to stay in the nursery at church.
This was her typical expression when I was not holding her and someone else was. Whew. I was a tired mama.
This was the typical experience with photographers. This was the one second where there was no tear.
But, when Mama was with her, it was all good. Mama was everything to her.
I remember that I couldn’t wait until she grew out of that stage.
And, now, I think I’d like to have that back. Maybe. Sometimes.
She went from this little baby, glued to Mama’s hip …
… to this little girl who can give you a song and dance on the spot in no time.
Now, she still has her moments … like when you take a tub of frosting away from her. Check out the progression.
I thought it was impossible to love this second child as much as I loved my first child, but I did and I do.
Happy Birthday, little girl! I love you.
She’s 9 today.
Aw! That was such a sweet tribute and such beautiful photos (yes, even the tears).
Happy Birthday La Petite Belle!
Happy Birthday Petite Belle!
Many Happy Returns!
Mama Belle, you SO have to keep that video clip for her wedding!
Happy 9th Birthday La Petite Belle!
Happy Birthday LaPetite Belles!
You are a strong strong woman to go through that labor story…..dang.
Sweetness. Happy Birthday, baby girl!! 🙂
Same thing happened with my second. Induced the first day. Nothing. That should have been a clue she would have an agenda of her own.
Happy Birthday LaPetite Belle!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
I would venture to say that they miscalculated your due date! Wow! But obviously, she was worth the wait 🙂 So sweet! Happy birthday La Petite Belle!
What a cute kid!
Happy birthday to her.
-FringeGirl
Happy Birthday! Now GO HUG YOUR MAMA! 🙂
Great Pictures 🙂
She is a cute one!
Happy Birthday 🙂