Baby Lilliana!

I am not sure how to start describing a day like today...

The short of it is this: By default, I got to experience the birth of one my my very best friend's (Chris Meland) daughter- Lilliana Meland! Check out their blog Mountain Haven on the right... Anyway, its a long story... She is two weeks shy of her due date and after an ok from the Dr., her husband (Kevin) left for a hunting trip, one in which she totally supported. They prayed about it, felt at peace and so he went... Unfortunately, labor started earlier than expected. I had their 3 year old daughter Kaisha over night last night and after several conversations this morning, I truly felt she was in labor. I got help for my kids (thank you Ben and April by the way), brought Kaisha to her house and stayed with Chris- timing her contractions- very steady and growing in intensity. She was keeping very still in hopes to keep the baby until tomorrow when Kevin would return. By the afternoon however, she knew she needed to get to the hospital. I was very thankful that she came to this conclusion as things were definately moving along. Her sister came to get Kaisha and off we went. It was all I could do to not drive like a maniac. We got to the hospital just before 2pm and at 4:04pm, Lilliana was born!! Chris was dilated to an 8 when we arrived... not a second too soon! Aside from my own children's birth, selfishly it was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. I say selfishly because I know it was bittersweet for Kevin and Chris. Sweet b/c the labor was smooth (easy for me to say right?) and the baby is beyond beautiful and healthy but bitter b/c they could not be together. It was such an intimate moment to be apart of... I felt grateful, blessed and guilty all at once. Kevin jumped on a plane and will be there at about 1:30am. They will have their bonding time... I am now home, reflecting and she is resting at the hospital- anticipating Kevin's arrival and meeting of little Lilliana (who I am now deeply in love with). Gifts like today happen once in a lifetime. Chris- you are a true champion, so strong and focused- such a woman of God. Kevin- I love you like a brother and know you adore your family. How else can I end this except to say that I am truly honored and humbled by this experience. What a day.