Your Birth Story

Ainsley Brielle, this week you turn 6 years old!

Sometimes it feels like you've been a part of my life forever, and sometimes it feels like just yesterday that they placed you in your daddy's arms (after he said, "I think I need a minute") and I looked at him holding you for the first time. November 3, 2003, at 12:58 pm, you entered the world weighing in at 8 lb 6 oz, and you made me a mommy! I am thinking about the many memories you and I have made together in the last 6 years, and the things that we have learned from each other. I have sang "Jesus Loves You" to you some 2,190 times, and I pray that you may always know that Jesus Loves You. I thank God for you, Ainsley Brielle, and for the little girl that he has made you to be! Long before you were born, I dreamed of the day that I would be a mommy. On Feb 18, 2003 I took a pregnancy test and was so surprised that I went to Target to buy another one, along with an "I love daddy" bib and football rattle to surprise daddy with!

My belly started to grow. . .And grow. . .On June 9, we had our first glimpse of you. I wrote in your baby book, "Today we found out you're a girl! We saw all your little parts. . .I just had to go buy you a cute little dress with pink on it :) The doctor said you look healthy and your foot is wide. . .like daddies. The video of the ultrasound is amazing. . .God is amazing. . .I could watch you move around all day!"

While you were in my tummy, we spent our days shopping (preparing for you), eating toasted bagels with a melted slice of cheese inside, and apples with peanut butter, and exercising.You were due on Oct 23rd, and Oct 31st, my "little pumpkin" had not arrived. . .I walked and walked and walked some more to get you to come. . .I walked with one foot on the curb and one on the sidewalk. Daddy drove us over bumps. Nothing worked. I was 11 days overdue, my bags were packed, your nursery was ready, and they induced me. Excerpt from your baby book: "On Sunday, Nov 2, we went to church and Bible Study. Then, daddy took a nap and had a dream that he was holding you. At 5 pm we went to the hospital to be induced (with a pill), but I was having too many contractions for that. So, we walked the halls attached to my IV. Dad got McDonalds. At about 2 am, I started Pitocin and had my water broken. At about 6 am, I had an epidural. Around 8 am I was only 3 cm, but by 11 am I was 10 cm!! I was so hungry, for something besides ice-chips. I was so excited to push. . .I loved that part. It didn't take very many pushes. I could see your head, and when you came out at 12:58pm, the doctor said you were a beautiful looking girl! She guessed your weight exactly. You are a gift from God. . .a miracle!" Daddy wrote about your birth day, "It was a long night. . Mom said, 'I don't know if I can do this much longer,' but she did. I was pretty excited when you came out, but I didn't know what to do with you, because you were so small."

The first time I held you , they layed you on my chest and I remember your eyes just looking up at me. Family photo. . .

In your baby book, daddy and I had to predict what you would be like as a 6 yr old. I wrote, "I imagine you'll make us smile and bring joy to our home." Daddy wrote, "Sweet and nice."And here you are at 6 years old. You do "make us smile and bring joy to our home." You are "sweet and nice."


And most of all, you are our daughter, we love you, and Jesus loves you! Happy 6th Birthday Ainsley Brielle! Love, mommy