Happy Birthday, Little E!

Today is Eli's 1st Birthday! I can't believe he has been with us for a year, but I really can't remember what life was like without him. That is just how it is when you have kids isn't it? A year ago this morning I was up at the same time (6 am) laying on the couch with contractions. I still had 3 weeks until my due date--but Chism boys come early in this family! It was a rainy day, and all my babies came on rainy days. I knew it would be the day Eli would be born. I had some pretty intense contractions from the beginning--not mild ones like with the other 2. We went to the hospital later that morning and when I went to lay down on the table so they could hook me up to the heart monitor, the contractions stopped COMPLETELY! They said "you're too early, go on home." We met the kids and grandparents for lunch and about 1/2 way through the meal the contractions started again. So, Kevin and I went home! We took a walk when the sun came out for about an hour. I tried to rest, but the contractions were so intense I couldn't sleep. About 5pm we went back to the hospital. By that point, it felt like I was in transition. They checked me and I had not changed--no progression? I broke into tears. With my other babies I stayed in control, kept on top of my breathing--you know, in a zone! I lost control, and couldn't stop crying. How could I have not progressed with contractions this bad? They told me to take a walk. I remember praying at that moment, "Lord, I can't do this, I am too tired, be my strength because I have none left." We started walking around the L&D wing, and Kevin was my rock--the Lord used him to be my strength. He held my hand and when I would stop to have a contraction, I would hold his arm and lean in to him, rocking back and forth. I had never really let him be a real "part" of the process! With the other 2 I didn't want to be touched or distracted. That makes me sad now. But God took me out of the pilot's seat with this one. And I praise Him for that because those moments with Kevin were so peaceful and good! Within an hour Eli was born--it was fast and furious! He came into our lives a little after 7 pm, weighing 6 lbs. 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. The kids came in soon after and what I remember mostly was a whole lot of joy! We sure do love you Eli. Happy birthday, buddy!