The Gift of Time

For Christmas this year, I didn't need to search my soul too much to hear the answer to what to buy my inlaws. I heard it in their voices over the course of the last 12 months. So, in response to what my soul heard, here is the letter that I created for them to open on Christmas Eve.

Dear Nana and Pap:

When the holidays began, we made our usual list of the gifts that we wanted to give our family and friends; a video game for Parker, a pair of pj’s for Kendra, etc, etc,…….

And then, we went shopping and we bought everyone the typical “stuff”.

As we began finishing up the holiday shopping for this year, we looked over our purchases….again lotsa stuff… and yet, we felt like we were missing something for the two of you. So, we headed to the store to get you your last “big” gift from us: A Banquet Table.

We went to Kmart and BJ’s, and Ollies…..and every banquet table on the planet had been bought up. So, we gave up.

While we drove from store to store looking for that Banquet Table….something kept coming to mind.

Over the course of the year, as we spent time together, our conversations often led to “the good old days.” You would reminisce about the times that you spent with your kids and grandkids. Never once did the conversation turn to how great it was to get that doorbuster crockpot or how you wish that this year someone would buy you a banquet table. What it always came down to was that you really just wished for more time with family.

Time is the most valuable gift you can give someone.

So, that is our “BIG” gift this year: TIME.

Enclosed are 12 coupons, one for every month, good for what we believe are things that you could use throughout the year.

You can use them all in one month, you can use them once a month. Whatever you choose, they are yours to decide.

In addition to these coupons, we will be hosting SECOND SUNDAYS at our house every month. Everyone is welcome, including Grandpa, Joylene and her family, whomever wants to come. They need only to bring a Potluck dish to pass. Our house is always the meeting place and the time is always 4 pm. All you have to do is show up.

We can’t wait to share a wonderful 2010 with you both.

See you on Sunday, January 10^th. That is the date of our first 2^ND SUNDAY!

Love Always,

Jim, Stacy and Audrey

AND Here are some the coupons that we created:

Good for one Bingo Night, Good for one Dinner Drop Off, Good For one Surprise Us Day( we plan a fun day for them), Good for one House cleaning and Organization Weekend....

All things that we hope that they truly can look forward to and enjoy.

Time truly is the most valuable gift that you can give someone.

Tomorrow is not promised to us.

My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life.

She lived across the street from me for most of my life.

I cannot remember a single Christmas or birthday present that she ever gave me.

However, I CAN tell you 22 years of stories about baking with her and yard-saling and dancing with her. I can tell you how old I was the day that they planted fruit trees in her yard. I remember the feel of her hand when it held mine and the sound that her porch swing made as it creeked beneath us.

Time may be all someone you love is looking for.

How did you get here so fast? 4 months old.

Dear audrey:

Today you are 4 months old.

We went to your 4month appt this morning.

You are 16 lbs 5 ounces and you are 26 1/4 inches long. That puts you above the 95th percentile for all of your growth.

You are beginning to sit up on your own. You can hold your toys. You are eating cereal.

You are in 6 to 9 month clothing. You notice the dog now.

How did you grow up this fast?

Christmas is just around the corner

and I feel like I have gotten a pretty good start.

Jim allowed me the free time to go and shop on Black friday, where I got some great deals.

Santa shopped on-line and got Audrey an awesome wagon for next summer and hopefully for years to come. Its her first Christmas, but at 4 months old, she is just young enough to not enjoy it. But, oh what fun we will have next Christmas and in the christmases to come.

Yesterday, we made a trip to the Picture People to get our family photo with Santa.

It was Take 2 for us, as last week didn't work out as we had hoped...screaming baby.

The pictures turned out ok. Christmas cards went out with our faces on them.

As with every Christmas, I wrote a letter to our friends.

While I was writing our letter, I was trying my hardest to reflect on our year as individuals...but that part of this year seems to be foggy for me.

I don't remember there being anything truly important that happened before Audrey was born:

Here is our letter:

Christmas 2009

JOY to the world

Dear Friends,

When we sent our 2008 Christmas letter, it was a little too soon to share the wonderful news that we were expecting a baby.

“LIFE” truly began on August 8^th at 5 pm.

After 40 weeks of anticipation, we felt incredibly blessed to hear those delightful words: “It’s a girl!”

AUDREY JOY, her name meaning Strength and Happiness, weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and measured 19 ½ inches tall.

Now, at 4 months, Audrey is an active and very vocal baby; curious about everything, a “nose-poke”.

After 9 years of working for Campus Door, my job officially ended in June. Saying goodbye to my family aka my coworkers was very sad.

But, God’s timing is perfect; losing my job came at the best time. Waking up to a toothless grin at 6 am every morning is my greatest JOY.

At the beginning of the year, Jim was sworn in as Upper Allen Fire Chief. His family and I are so proud of his dedication and success.

Jim also marked his 5 year anniversary at Equipment Depot. So many people don’t realize that Jim has a “real job” and that being Fire Chief is a volunteer position. So, if you know anyone who is looking for a forklift or aerial lift, Jim’s your guy!

We are looking forward to a fun-filled 2010, a year of so many firsts: first tooth, first steps, first words; a year of great JOY. Visit www.jimandstacysalter.blogspot.com to read our blog and check in on us during the year.

Did you know: The word JOY appears in 333 scripture? That’s almost enough JOY to fill every day of the year.

It is our hope that you find JOY every day of your life, in all things, and everywhere you look.

Love and Many Blessings,

Jim, Stacy and Audrey Salter

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord.

Val's Shower

This weekend, I hosted a baby shower for my dear friend Valerie Natale.

I found a nice venue in The Bricker House in Lemoyne, PA.

I hosted an

afternoon tea.

About 30 guests joined in the festivities.

The invitation prompted the guests to wear their best tea party hats. some guests embraced the requests. For those that "forgot" their hats, we had an array to offer them.

The tables were decorated with teapots and fresh flowers.

Instead of just a cake. I opted for individual cupcakes in tea cups and saucers. My mom decorated each cupcake as a one of a kind,

the designs were very whimsi

cal.

The fare was a cold buffet of cranberry almond

chicken salad sandwiches, bacon and spring onion wraps, fresh fruit,

scones, pumpkin bread, etc...

The guests also were invited to savor 3 unique

teas or enjoy fresh Mango Mandarin Punch.

I wanted to capture the Lady of Honor and her husband, who also

attended the shower, with all of the guests that attended the shower.

By far, my favorite photo was that of each of the guests standing in front of the venue making silly faces.

I hope that Val had an enjoyable time. We are so blessed to share this special journey with she and Jim. we cannot wait until January 17th when Baby Natale makes his or her debut.

I wonder

Dear Audrey:

Sometimes I watch you without trying to catch your eye. I do this on purpose.

If you know that I am watching, you will certainly try to oblige your mama's gaze with a smile.

You are like that. Always watching. Curious. happy.

As I stare at you, I wonder. I wonder what color your hair will finally resolve to be, or your eyes. Are they hazel or are they brown? I wonder if you will like to sing, the way that I do. Or will you love the color pink? Will you love the feel of the slippery creek rocks under your feet like I did as a little girl? Will you be a daredevil like your daddy was?

I pray that your life is filled...filled with promise...filled with rich friendships that span the course of your life, filled with only the blessings that God can provide. I wonder who you will become.

A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Baking with Gram

We went to my parents this weekend. My mom scheduled Audrey for an Old Time Photoshoot that one of the local churches was sponsoring. We arrived to dress Audrey in a lace gown. The photographer added a hat and strands of pearls, some great props and TaaDaa...a cute bunch of pics.

Today, after my mom got off of work, she sliced up some apples and made apple dumplings to enjoy throughout the winter. Audrey sat in her rocking seat atop the table and helped Gram make apple dumplings.

Just Treats!

No tricks, dear Audrey.

Happy 1st Halloween!

Although, we won't be running around the neighborhood in search of candy. I am pretty sure the neighbors aren't handing out Enfamil samples...but if they were!!!!Gram bought you 3 costumes for your first Trick or Treat. I am not sure which one you liked best. I think that you definately make a cute Winnie the Pooh!

I took your picture in all 3 costumes and sent a little greeting card to our friends.

Tonight, Nana and Pap are coming to enjoy a crockpot dinner and then hand out candy with us. Your cousin Parker is coming too. Our neighborhood is the perfect place for candy grabbing and he is 9 so...

Tonight, we will be handing out an assortment of Pop's candy board items, hershey bars, a mixed collection of the junk your daddy has brought home recently and hasn't eaten, and 50 lucky treaters will be getting a coupon for a free Jr. Frosty at Wendys.

Although there isn't any candy for you, I can still fill your bag up with other treats: 1extra this little piggie on each foot, 3 more minutes in the bath-tub to splash, 1 more story, a stroller ride somewhere new since you love to nose-poke, a couple more giggles and a few more kisses. Thatsalotta loot kid!

You are my favorite treat...spit up and all!

Love,

Mommy

A morning person

Dear Audrey:

It is official: You are a morning person. I found you in your crib this morning, blinking up at the ceiling and smiling. I asked you: "What's the name of the angel you are talking to?" You just gave me a gummy grin. No matter how poorly you may have slept the night before, the sunrise wipes the slate clean.

I brought you downstairs and laid you on the couch, where you wriggled and cooed long enough for me to make coffee and eat my cornflakes.

Your eyes are like sparkling stars in the morning. It's like your pleased to meet a new person for the first time or you have missed me after a long trip. It is a gift that god offers just to me every morning, as you stretch to fit into the new day and wipe the sleepies from your eyes.

I love when it is just you and me and the morning .

mom

Week 10
Guess what? Your baby can pick out his parents' faces in a group. His eyes widen and shine and he wiggles with glee when someone familiar comes near. He's ready and willing to hone his social skills, so make him part of family activities-bring him to the table during dinner, or put him in a carrier sling while you work. He loves your company as much as you love his.

2 months old

Audrey had her 2 month check up this week.
She is 12 lbs 14 oz and 23 1/4 inches long.

She is in the 75th to 90th percentile for all her measurements. She did well with her shots.

She made the trip to my parents in the same day, but when we arrived the shot reaction began and she screamed and cried for awhile, her legs a bit swollen.

She did manage to sleep 9 hours without waking, not sure if the tylenol helped. She is getting cuter everyday.

Dear Audrey aka LaLa

I have decided that you may never answer to your given name, because Gram and I make up new names for you daily. First you were Peanut Butter, and that got inevitably shortened to Peanut. But, lately, you have been LaLa. It has sort of stuck to you. Gram sings La - LA and says "hey...Lala!" and now...well...Audrey you are Lala.

You are such a funny little girl. You smile so big in the morning and laugh more often.

This weekend, you made it through 5 hours of apple harvest festival without a peep. You love to look around and face outward now. You recognize me from across the room and it warms my heart.

I can talk to you and you babble back a little, sometimes it is like we are holding a real conversation.

Lala, you are such a beautiful soul...I see it already shining through in your eyes. I experienced a taste of it today when I held you in my arms and walked through the lobby and into the main worship venue at church and you suddenly stilled and stared upward, like God himself was speaking to you, like you knew the song of worship the choir was singing. As with all things that center around you, it brought tears of JOY to my eyes. Your soul remembers the potters hands.

Love,

Mommy

To My Dear Audrey at 6 weeks and 4 days

Dear Audrey:

You are growing up so fast. I can now understand why people want more than 1 baby, the time goes by so swiftly. It seems like I brought you home 2 weeks ago, not 6 weeks ago.

You had a rough weekend. I learned that ready-made Enfamil is not the same as the powder. So, after a bad bellyache, we threw the rest of the can away. Bellyaches are no fun.

Once we got home from Grandma's, your attitude went right back to the sweet little girl I know so well.

This morning, you woke up at 4 am...not because you were hungry, or because you were

wet...but, I think, because you were wanting to exercise your newest tool...your voice.

Yep, you found your voice, overnight!

When I first brought you home, every noise that you made was basically the inner-workings of a cry...but not anymore.

Now, you sit in our swing and babble to the sunrise. You can see it coming up through the window. You love the sun. If you are crying, and your dad and I have worn out every reason

why (wet, cold, hungry, etc...) we take you outside. You always calm down, like the wind blows in a new attitude.

Your dad is a magnificent soul. He bought me two rocking chairs for the front porch, so that I can take you out and rock you. I like to watch the birds come at the feeder. I can't wait for you to notice them, so that we can enjoy them together.

I prayed that you would be an "outside" kid who enjoys everything the earth has to offer...and so far it looks like God answered even that, the smallest of my prayers, for you.

You are smiling, and every day that I wake up and greet you, I think your smile widens. Even if you have only given me a few hours sleep, that smile wipes away everything else.

Everyday, you spend time in both of your swings, on our bed with the barn gym, on the floor with the rainforest mat and on your belly ith the lady bug mat. You love to stretch and kick.

Mrs. Dean says laying you out to kick will help you grow. I guess that is what happened to

me...gram laid me out to kick often.

Right now, you are asleep in your play pen. I can see you from my chair. I can hear you as well....you make this little sucking noise while you sleep. Gram says I made the same noise. Even though you look so much like your daddy, I think you are alot like me.

I can't wait to enjoy trips to the beach with you, a special trip to Disney, and to experience all the world has to offer, with you and daddy.

For now, stay small and grow strong. It really won't be like this for long.

I love you,

Mom

Getting ready for fall

This weekend, we enjoyed a lovely luncheon at my Aunt Robins. Before our meal, my great aunts and I were instructed, by my Aunt Robin, on the art of scarecrow making.

We each made a scarecrow to adorn Robin's yard. Even the dog got in on the action.

Audrey was a bit cranky, so my mom took over "baby whisperer" duty.

What an enjoyable afternoon. I love the fall!

Great, Great Aunts

Audrey and Mommy headed to wellsboro this past weekend to enjoy some time with my mom and my Great Great Aunts. My Aunt Honey ( Ruth) and my Aunt Tootie ( Katherine) are my grandfather's sisters. They visit my mom's house twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. They are such wonderful and fun ladies. I am so blessed to have good relationships with them. Audrey is so blessed to have spent the weekend with them.

I must admit, Audrey wasn't on her best behavior for the weekend. She had a belly ache and was constipated for the first full day, so she cried and screamed alot. BUT, we managed to get some good family time in between bouts of insanity.

Aunt Honey enjoyed feeding her and rocking her.

Aunt Tootie enjoyed "talking" with Audrey.

We had a GREAT, GREAT visit!

God is surely good that he would allow Audrey the opportunity to have these wonderful ladies in her life.

Growing

Like a little sunflower...that is what Audrey Joy is doing.

Before I was a mom, I never thought about the changes a little one would go through so quickly. Not the obvious changes like weight gain, but amazing small things I notice; like the fact that Audrey's eyelashes are growing long, or the day I realized real watery tears came into her little eyes.

She opens her hands now; they are no longer just little fists. Her hair continues to fall out, but in its place is new fuzzy lighter hair

I think the greatest growth so far has been her ability in just 5 short weeks to smile and laugh. Her gummy smile lights up my whole heart!

She has slept, like a big girl, in her crib for 2 nights now. She sleeps very well in the crib. We should have tried it sooner.

She truly is the joy in her name, the joy in my heart!

winning a grammy

We did....with the presence of my mom this past labor day weekend.She and my dad came for a visit, during which she voluteered to take the night shift for 3 full nights, while I caught up on my sleep.

What a wonderful gift!

We enjoyed a nice weekend together.

My Aunt Bon and Uncle Harold came for a visit on Saturday.

As they were leaving, we discovered a Black and Yellow Argiope Spider in my flower bed.

Spiders creep me out! This is one big and has quit an amazing web. Now, 3 days later, I am not as itchy looking at our 8 legged garden guest. It is actually quite interesting.

Sunday, we headed to Kelly's Salter Family picnic. It was a very nice day!

It's hard to believe summer has ended and fall is just beginning.

Girls can fight fires too...

Even if we would have found out that we were having a girl beforehand, we still would have managed to receive Fire Fighter outfits. Her dad is the chief, it was inevitable.

So today, we busted out the Fire Chief outfit and added a headband...Viola...a little girl Fire Chief.

****right after taking these pictures, she peed and we had to throw the outfit in the washer****

Busy Bees

That is what we have been over the course of the last few weeks. I would like to think that we are falling into somewhat of a routine, but Audrey thinks differently. Just when I think I have figured out what a typical day looks like, she changes it up.

We have really been enjoying our little hummingbird.

She is sleeping 3 to 4 hour spurts in the night. She seems to want to poop at her 4 am feeding. So, that feeding time is a but more difficult to get her back to sleep than the others.

She is growing like a weed. At her 2 week appt last week, she weighed 8.7 lbs and was 20 1/4 inches long. The newborn clothes are getting smaller. We have only worn the same outfit twice on two different occasions. Yes, she has alot of clothes.

The visitors are still flocking to the house. We actually have a visitor schedule.

We are blessed with many great friends. They are bringing food and gifts, and it seems that it will never end.

My parents are headed down this weekend and we are going to go yard-saling to see if we can find any lil girl baby deals. If I have outfits that dont fit that Audrey only wore once, so do other parents. I would rather spend $2 for their items than to head to Gymboree and spend $25 on the same item.

I took Audrey to Walmart Picture Me studios for her 1 month photo. She did great. We even fit in a wardrobe change.

I am still amazed at how tough being a new parent is. Tough in a very unique way. Taking a shower is a luxury. Cleaning the house and filling the bird feeder...the same.

I love to watch Jimmy with Audrey. She is certainly daddy's girl, though I like to think that she is Mommy's girl, since I am with her 24/7.

We have been to two Mommy and Me classes. These help me maintain my sanity as a new mom. It is a group for Mothers of children aged newborn to 5 month. We sit for 1 1/2 hours and chat about our concerns and ask questions of the Lactation Consultant and nurse, Tammy. She is filled with knowledge and very helpful.

Sometimes, as I sit there and listen to the other moms, I realize that Audrey has been fairly EASY so far...dare I say that? I will probably pay for the comment. However, she is doing well with breastmilk and formula and fairly well with sleeping and everything else.

We are headed to one month old in a few days...WOW...it really won't be like this for long!

Dear Audrey

I am writing you this, the first of many love letters, as you lay across my chest, a little snore coming from your chest and your lips pulse together in a sucking sound. I realize that a few tears have fallen atop of your little head..tears of overwhelming joy...I am sure that your middle name fits you... for Joy is the best word to describe what I feel in my heart as I sit here and listen to you sleep.

You are nearly 3 weeks old. These last few weeks have been a harder adjustment than I have ever imagined. Before you, I always put myself first. Now, making sure you are happy and taken care of is more important than the laundry, lunch, answering the phone, or sleeping. You are the center and outsides of my heart...and everything in between.

The first two weeks of your life are almost a blur to me.It is amazing how much I didn't know about being a mother. Thank goodness for Gram and Nana. They taught me what your crys meant. This week, I finally feel like I have gained some confidence at being a mom. I know not to pick you up as soon as you cry; sometimes you are just dreaming and fall back to sleep in 10 seconds. I know how to lay you down to sleep without you waking up immediately...you have to put your whole body into it. I know when your hungry and when you are gassy.

I haven't quite gotten the "sleep when she sleeps" advice down yet, but I am getting adequate sleep for now. I haven't used half of the stuff I thought that I had to have on hand for you. I especially didn't NEED the Diaper Genie. I have decided which diapers and wipes I like best. I am amazed at how fast all of the diapers we got as gifts have become to evaporate.

I think your dad has become attuned to your needs very quickly. Sometimes, he has a better idea of what you are crying for than I do. I make sure that I tell him when I realize that. He needs confidence too. He is a good daddy. Although, sometimes I think he would feed you everytime you cry. I told him today that I didnt want you to become one of those obese kids that can't stop eating, like on Maury Povich. ;)

I just want what is best for you, more than I have ever wanted anything for myself.

I love you and I promise to do my best to show you that everyday.

MOm

Life with Audrey

Audrey is 17 days old.

Life with a new born is alot harder than I ever could have imagined. Any new mom who doesn't agree with that must have be a SUPER WOMAN. I am not.

I have dealt with euphoria and worry. I have had nights of sleeplessness and moments of wonder with this amazing little girl.

She is beautiful. I am her mom...but I have had alot of people say how absolutely perfect her little round head is.

She looks like Jimmy, but she changes everyday. She has his chin dimple. She has his lips.

I think her hair is getting lighter. I think she is going to have my brown eyes.

I love when she laughs in her sleep. I love when she stares at me when I am feeding her. I call her my little Hummingbird.

Last week, we realized that I was not making enough breas

tmilk for Audrey.

We are now supplementing with formula. This decision wasnt as hard for me as I thought. I enjoyed breastfeeding her, but as I have realized throughout my pregnancy and now motherhood, it doesnt matter always what I think is best...Audrey tells me what she needs. I just have to be silent sometimes and really listen to her.

In these 17 days, we have had alot of visitors. It is great to have everyone love her up...but now that the visitors have slowed...it is great to just spend time with her and Jim at home and get to know what her real internal schedule is.

So far, Audrey has taught me that she loves her Glowing Seahorse and enjoys short jaunts in her swing. She likes to lay on her side and she loves comfy pillows and blankets to sleep on. She enjoys her baths...most of the time. She looks best in "Cinderella" blue and brown.

I realized that being a mom has made me more in love with my husband. I think I even kiss him differently, maybe more passionately. Watching him with Audrey...well..it makes me love him more. I love that he can quiet her when I cannot. I love the way his arms seem to hold her

differently than any other persons, tighter.

I love spending time with my mom, even more than ever. what she has taught me about being a mother is immeasurable. Nobody taught me what it looks like when a baby has to poop or what it means when the baby's legs scoot up( bellyache).What you learn from your mother is invaluable.

But.....OH...what a baby teaches you. This is the start of Life with Audrey....I can't recall life being anything better!!!

It's a Miracle....It's a girl!

On Friday, August 7th, I was sent to Labor and De

livery, once again, from my regular OB appt, due to high blood pressure. It was 160 over 120. Yikes. finally, I had two options, which were both really the same option. Induce that evening, or induce the following morning. I hoped for the best, as they set me up to the monitors and set baby's heart beat up for monitoring as well. Jimmy was headed to the softball tournament. My parents were headed to

our house for the weekend, hoping that the

baby would arrive sometime that weekend.An hour later, I was calling them letting them know that I was admitted and that they would be starting a 1 ml of pitocin overnight to ripen my cervix, which was 4 cm and 75% effaced already.

They traveled to the hospital with a turkey sub for me ( maybe I subconsciously thought of Jen Barnes's trukey sub), which I could eat before the pitocin was started.

The Nurse, Nancy, came in and started my IV line. I had never had an IV before, so this was a little scary.

Once the sub was eaten, my parents and Jim headed home for a good nights sleep. Pitocin was started and I TRIED to get some rest...to little avail.

At 5:30 am , I heard the lady next door pushing and screaming and I cried as I listened to her husband tell her how great she was pushing. 20 minutes later, she was screaming again as she

was being mended. I vowed that I wouldn't scream...wow...was I wrong later that day.

2 hours later, Cindy, my midwife came in with Sue, the L&D Nurse who had taught our birthing

class, to break my water. My cervix had ripened to 5/6 cm overnight, which was great!

It took a bit, and just a little discomfort, but they broke my water with their crochet hook.

About 30 minutes later and increase in pitocin, my labor pains, began to get a little

uncomfortable.

An hour later, Jim and my parents arrived at the hospital. I was miserable. So, miserable, my parents opted for a trip to the Tractor Supply store...WHAT??? I guess I was more miserable than even I remember.

Upon their return, I was in the mindset of something

new...something I said I would never get...The dreaded EPIDURAL. YES PLEASE!!!

I went back and forth with the idea of the epidual. I wasnt even sure it would work.

After a chat with my midwife, who let me know that even if I got the epidural, I was "still a real mother" and would still be a part of the labor process.

Call in Dr. White! the epidural was on it's way and I was 6 cm dilated and completely effaced.

15 minutes after the epidural was in, I was in heaven, Yes, heaven!

Every intervention, starting with induction, had led me to this, and after the pain of pitocin

contractions, I was a-ok with it all. No pain w

as good.

Pam, Jen, April, my in-laws visited.

I was strapped to the bed now, of course, due to the epidural. My options of birthing ball and massage and WHATEVER else I had planned, were gone now.Hours went by, and I was dilating further. They upped the pitocin.

I got a fever. They shut off the epidural and pitocin. I was now dilated to 9 cm.

The contractions started to come back into my plane of thought. I asked if we could increase the epidural. They said no.

There was a catheter inserted. There was a monitor hooked to baby's head.

The heartbeat dipped twice, causing the midwife to alert the doctor on call. He began to monitor

the baby's heart rate at home. They said it could be the baby getting lower in the birth canal or a sign that the baby didnt like labor. If it turned out to be the second of the two, we were going to have to discuss "the next option"...you all know what that meant.."c-section". By now, I was

ready for a c-section in mind. All I wanted was a healthy baby and for the pain to be over.

An hour went by, I went to 10 cm. Guess what?? No c-section...I was going to have to push this "at least 9 lber" out. OMG! Please give me a c-section was all that I could think.

The bed came down, my mom and jim took their appropriate places. Cindy, the midwife, and Sue, the Nurse, took their places. They told me to take a deep cleansing breath, hold it, grab the back of my knees and push from my bottom. I took a deep breath and blew it out, didn't hold

it.

First push...completely unsuccessful! Needless to say, for the next 1 1/2 hour, I pushed...and pushed...and in between pushes I cussed and screamed and begged for a c-section. Nobody

listened to me...they all knew that I could do this...I could deliver this baby...this suprise...this miracle.

Hour 2 arrived and I decided to listen to the midwife and push like I "had to poop"...guess what?? You really do poop. I won't sugar coat it for any of you. I pooped, right there, in front of my husband, my mom...and I didn't care. My mom said: "You can do this...you have acc

omplished everything you have ever wanted, this is the last thing!" I told her to: "Shut Up!"

My husband said his arm hurt. I told him to "shut up" also, just added some flowery language.

Finally, I felt "something" very low and knew I had to get it out. By now, I had pushed for 2 hours. I looked at my mom and Jim and realized that "something" was down there and they

could see it. I wanted to see it too, but more than anything, I wanted to experience relief.

"Is this the ring of fire?", I asked. That is when the baby's head crowns.

My mom said, "You read to damn much!"

Sue, the nurse, grabbed my face, told me that I was close, and that I WAS going to do this. PS: Sue taught us this "approach" for women in labor that "panic" during our birthing class.

There, I was, the "panicking laborer", the "begging for an epidural, begging for a c-section laborer". I needed this LITTLE MIRACLE to get out!

I mustered all my strength. By now, the epidural was long gone. The pain was back...oh ye

s...it was back!

I pushed. There was a head with long black hair...at least that is what they told me.

I pushed some more...oh dear jesus...this MUST be the ring of fire!

Cindy said to give her one more good push and to stop so that she could suction the baby's nose out.

The head appeared, along with a little hand. As with all of the baby's ultrasound pictures, the hand was up above the head. They pushed the hand back in. They suctioned.

Then, cindy said, ONE BIG PUSH! I was glad to oblige. Out came a baby.

"WHAT IS IT???" I yelled.

The baby wasnt making any noise, so everyone was focused on getting the baby rubbed up and awake. Jim had helped to catch.

My mom was the only person who had a view and wasn't helping.

"IT's A GIRL!!!" My mom said.

A girl...a little girl...in that moment I yelled out...."I REALLY WA

NTED A

GIRL!"

That pain...it really does go away in that moment.

I only had eyes for AUDREY. Her name is "Audrey", I said, "Audrey Joy"

The rest is the boring stuff...I delivered a placenta and alot of blood...too much blood. They had to give me a shot to slow my bleeding.

Audrey laid on my belly for 15 minutes while her umbilical cord pulsed. There, she managed to poop on me.

Even that seemed like an amazing miracle. Jimmy cut the cord. He cried. I cried. My

mom cried.

They stitched me up. Yowza!

My mom and Jim and I and everyone present celebrated. Audrey was finally...after 39 weeks

and 1 day short of her original due date...here!

After all the worry and waiting and wondering and hoping and praying and...did I say worry...SHE was here.

She has her dad's chin and his nose and his lips...and...well..she looks just like her dad.

BUT, she has my feet and hands, so that is worth at least something.

God's power and grace and love amaze me. He really did take a little of both of us and shape this amazing little person, he shaped her and knit her together, just as he had promised.

August 8th at 5:30 pm exactly, our little miracle, Audrey Joy Salter, arrived. She weighed 7 lbs 2 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. After she left the nursery, she weighed 7 lbs 9 ounces officially. She is perfect. She is a blessing. She is here.