That is what has gotten us through the past two months. I have never in my life been more thankful for an amazing husband, giving family, life-saving friends and now my daughter.
We have seen life literally come full circle.
Jim's mother had a bone marrow transplant on July 1st. We were so thankful that a donor came through quickly as she was diagnosed with leukemia in January. That is pretty rare. Doctors call it your "BIRTHDAY" because you are literally brand new! The actual transplant is fairly simple. It is the process that comes afterwards that is gut-wrenching for the patient. I am so proud of my mother-in-law, and know that this little one is what pushes her through the daily treatments, tests and trips to the hospital.
We had two other BIRTHDAYS on July 6th! Jim's grandmother turned 79, and Miller Arrington Kite made her debut.
It would be abnormal for something to go as planned in our lives :-). It is how we live. It is why we love our lives. Nothing is ever planned! It is always like a live television event in our house. We flew home from Houston the night of the Fourth, and my water broke very early the next morning. I was in denial though, and went back to bed. I was only 35 weeks. I mean I would have contractions soon after if it was "time" right ;-)? Jim and I did very little reading beforehand simply because I did not want any more stress than pregnancy already puts on your body. I wanted to "go with the flow." Well, that turned into a real life "nothing ready, no hospital bag, unwashed hair" event!!
I was scheduled to have an ultrasound that same morning before hopping on my flight to Pebble Beach, California for work. I wanted to make sure Miller was still a happy, healthy bean in there. Well, she was tired of Delta, television trucks and in flight movies. My doctor looked at me, laughed out loud and said "You are going to have a baby today." I looked at my calm mother, anxiety-filled husband and just giggled. This had to be a joke. It was what I call "organized chaos" after that.
Jim went to find a camera (yes, we didn't have one yet), feed the dog (doc said it would be a bit before baby got here) and my mom and I went to Target to buy whatever you would put in a hospital bag (no idea.) We then grabbed lunch, and checked in all while in labor. Oh, and had to call work to let them know about Miller's unexpected arrival.
After 2 epidurals, allergic reactions to that and penicillin along with many other funny moments that I will leave to your imagination (whew) I had my beautiful and sweet daughter in my arms. Honestly, I was in utter shock.
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| Ready or not, I'm here! |
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| My life |
You know those "live-saving" friends I was telling you about? Yep. Ashlee, Jacques, Kindle & Devrim. I have to tell you they are undoubtedly what got us through the untimely arrival of lil' bit. They brought everything we needed, went to our house to set up our "pack-n-play" and washed all of Miller's clothes. We will never be able to repay them for what they did that week.
While embracing all of the wonderful emotions of Miller's arrival, Jim's grandfather was in another hospital down the street. Jim was bouncing between us, his grandfather and his mother at yet another hospital. My heart was aching for him, and his exhausted self. He always kept smiling though.
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| Going home! |
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| My version of "putting myself together :-)" |
People keep asking how we came up with Miller's name. She was named after her great-grandfather, Jimmy Miller.
We sadly lost him on July 17th. Watching someone take their last breaths will shock your soul. It breaks my heart because he never got to meet Miller. Jim gave such a beautiful eulogy at his service. I am so proud of that man I call my husband. His strength has been uplifting.
The highs and lows on this summer-long roller coaster have been an experience.
We are back though, and it is go time! I have 3 more weeks before returning to work, and we are getting prepared for the road. That is right. Miller is touring in Raleigh, Miami, Jacksonville and Charleston. I am oddly excited because we get to take a little road trip together. I was hesitant before she got here, but now know all that matters is that we are together.
My heart is completely fulfilled by my daughter. She is kind, sweet and I love when she wakes up in the middle of the night because I get to look at her. Who needs sleep when you have something as angelic as this to hold?
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| In one of mommy's old outfits! |
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| Love my daddy! |
I can't wait for her to take on the world! She is a special one. I can already tell ;-).
