"Shelby's Debut"

Today is the big day for you, Miss Shelby! We didn’t sleep too much last night and have to be at the hospital by 5:00 a.m. We are scheduled to meet you at 7:30.

Mommy was very nervous going into the OR for your C-section. Somehow knowing what to expect wasn’t all that reassuring. Just the thought of having my stomach sliced open to get my precious baby out was a little scary. Daddy was there to comfort me, but I had him in charge of the video camera too. But it went very smoothly, and it was over before I knew it. We heard your little squeaky screaming before you were even all the way out. It was such a great feeling, hearing you cry like that and knowing you were okay. When the nurses carried you over to the warming area where they were checking you out, I saw a head full of black hair. I could not believe it! I don’t know why it was such a shock to me, Daddy does have black hair; you just looked so different from your brother. Once they got you all checked over, Daddy was able to bring you over to see me. You were just beautiful. Our precious little girl was finally here!
One of the baby nurses that was in for our delivery was experiencing her very first C-section. Coinsidentally, her name was Shelby! When we "officially" named you, she was so surprised that her first baby via C-section was her namesake. It was pretty special for her. Daddy was then able to take you out and show you to all of our family. Big brother Landon was so very excited. “Shelby come out!” is what he kept saying. He was so eager to hold you and take pictures.

We had to wait in the recovery room forever before we were given a room, where you could then come in to see us. Finally we were moved and you made your grand entry. All of your family were snapping pictures and taking video; it was like you had your own paparazzi! Mommy was eager to put you to the breast to kick off the nursing and you did pretty good. I was talking to you and explaining to Landon what you were doing (trying to get the milk out) and Landon said, “you can do it, Shelby!” So sweet! He loves you so much.

It feels so great to know that you are here and that you are absolutely perfect. It seems so stupid to me that at one point, I was worried that I wouldn't have enough love for both of my beautiful babies. I love you and Landon so much; words cannot express what you mean to me. Our family is complete now that you are here.