April 17, 2008

Life with the Hills

Boy, its a been a whirlwind the last week or so. As many of you can tell, we have an addition to our family. She is the most amazing little thing I have ever laid my eyes on. I'll never forget the day she came into this world. God started the day with a 3.7 earthquake 60 miles from our home and then ended it with the birth of Madeline Grace Hill.

I drove to SA to pick up B for her regular doctor's appointment. She was taking a shower and fixing her gorgeous wavy hair! All of a sudden, B doubled over in pain. She started having contractions and we timed them at 4 minutes apart. She said it was the worse pain she had ever felt. We quickly got into the car, made a stop at Jack in the Box for chocolate shakes (yummy) and headed for the doctor. By the time we left Jack in the Box, the contractions were 3 minutes apart. WOW - she was in so much pain and I hurt for her. I wanted it to stop so desperately for her. We got to the doctor and the Nurse Practioner checked her cervix. 7cm dialated, 100% effaced, and bulging bag of water. Her doctor's office is across the street from Methodist and a tunnel under Medical Drive connects them. They put her in a wheelchair, draped blankets over her and we were on our way to Labor and Delivery. Everthing was happening so fast and I quickly made some phone calls to Craig, Camille, Shelly, and my Mom. WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!

Once inside L&D, things moved so fast. She was contracting so much and I felt so sorry for B. They gave her an epidural and things slowed a bit. The doctor came in about 5 and broke her water. Then, it all began to happen... Fast moving nurses, doctors, surgical techs, people everywhere! Her precious boyfriend, M, got on one side and me on the other. Sweet B pushed three times and then there she was! I can't explain what happened to me that day in Labor and Delivery Room 27, but I can assure you I'll never be the same. I cut the cord and then they took her to evaluate her. Craig drew close to the baby and I stayed with B as we both cried our eyes out! I looked over at Craig and his face was BEAMING! All I could do was hold B in my hands and pray silently over her. She just did an amazing thing - she brought life into this world! I kept thanking her and telling her what an incredible job! She was a trooper!

They moved us to 10 South at Methodist and it was amazing. They treated all of us like royalty. We both had a room with two large wooden doors separating us. It worked out well but we later found out that open doors are much better than closed doors!

Then, two days passed and it was time to leave. That experience has changed me forever. I can't tell you what all happened in that room when B told her daughter goodbye. All I can say, is I've never had to do anything remotely close to what she did that day. She handed her daughter to us. There is nothing I can do or say to possibly even thank her enough for the gift she gave to us. I can never repay her. All I can do is promise to love that child with every ounce of my being and I DO!

Madeline fits so well into our family. She actually looks like me when I was born but I think she is cuter! She eats well, sleeps well and is just a very happy baby. We took her to her first doctor's appointment. She weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces when we left the hospital and after one week, she was up to 6 pounds, 3 ounces!!! She is doing so well and the doctor's are amazed that she was actually born at 35 weeks. SHE IS AMAZING!

We just have one more hurdle and that is the birthfather. My prayer has always been that he would have a softened heart. I don't know what God is doing but I pray He is working in R's life. I pray that there are no complications with this adoption and that things move smoothly. B has given so much of herself and its been so hard for her to do. She is so brave and courageous! She is amazing - I guess that is where Madeline gets it from.

So, please pray for us for the next 21 days. Pray that God's will is done. Pray that I submit to that will even if its hard. PLEASE pray for B!!!!! Pray that things begin to get better. Pray for things going on in her life that I am not at liberty to talk about. Pray that she begins her new life together with M and that they can move on from her.

Thanks for all of your prayers!

Love,
Craig, Becca, Molly and Madeline!