Happy Happy Birthday Annalee

***this might be a little graphic for the weak in the knees. You have been warned***

Three years ago this morning, I was woken with a warm whooshing feeling 'down there.' I was nine months pregnant.

The previous day Jackson and I spent the afternoon at the pool with Mindy, Alex and Kayla. We had lots of fun splashing around. I kept having a nagging thought in the back of my mind, 'what if my water broke and I went into labor?' I thought that if my water broke in the pool, I might not even know the difference, but I sure would know if I started contracting. Mindy and I even discussed the possibility. She would have no hesitation throwing us all in her car and driving us to the hospital, bathing suits and all. (I bet you don't remember this at all Mindy!!) Nothing dramatic happened at the pool, I was still two weeks away from delivering anyways.

At 2am, like I said earlier, I was woken with a warm, wet whooshing. 'Uh, was that my water that just broke? Hmm, Nothing is hurting. Should I wake Scott? Nah, I'll just use the bathroom. Hmm, it's a little wet. I think I'll take a shower, just in case. Might as well wake Scott.'

So, I woke Scott and told him that I thought my water broke earlier. I asked him to get......slight contraction..... the 'What to Expect when you are Expecting' book and see what he could find out about my certain perdicermant. After I showered, I needed to decided if I was brave enough to call my sweet doctor and wake him. Nope, I'm too chicken. But, the hospital has people working around the clock. I'll call them!! Nobody will be......slight contraction..... rudely waken! Win-Win.

Hospital said that I might as well just come in because I was going to have the baby today. No sense in toughing it out at home and risk delivering in the car!

Now, what to do with the sleeping 2 1/2 year old boy. Call Ember! She offered months ago to help us out when it was 'go time.' No, I can't wake a ......slight contraction..... young mother from the dead of sleep and expect her to drive 45 minutes to stay with our kid. I know, call mom. She might be home. Not sure. I think she was going to be in California this week. Let's at least call her first. She only lives......slight contraction..... a mile away. Ring-Ring-Ring. Nope, she's not home. Fine, I'll call Ember. Ring-Ring-Hello? Hey Ember, this is Holly. Remember you offered to help us out when it was 'go time?' Well, it's go time and I don't know who else to call. 'No problem,' Ember says, 'I'll let Dan know and he can go into work a little late.'

Ember showed up and we chatted for a few minutes. She could not believe that I was in labor. The contractions were barely noticable.

We got to the hospital and after a few invasive tests, I was a keeper! Water broke at 2am and Annalee was born at 10:09am weighing in at 6lb8oz.

This perfect, beautiful petite little girl was placed in my waiting arms and I was instantly in love with her.

When Ember brought Jackson down to the hopital to see us, the first thing he said was "Hold it?" So sweet. He lovingly held his little sister. Jackson has been a very tender brother to Annalee.

Annie, I am so lucky to be your mommy. I love you dearly and it has been so much fun having a daughter! We have good times together.

I started this post when you were sleeping on the couch beside me and now your warm little body is on my lap. You are sucking your thumb and picking at your special blankie that I made for you before you were born. I love you AnnaBee's. I guess it's about time I let you know it's your birthday today so that we can start the party!!

I love you sweetheart!