Happy Birthday Grace Bug!

Happy Birthday Gracy Girl!!!

August 27, 2005 at 11:27 p.m. I woke Dusty up & said, "I think it's time to go to the hospital." He jumped out of bed, grabbed the closest shirt (an old t-shirt, with holes all over it, & the sleeves ripped off.) & shorts he could find. He then flew me to the hospital. It was on that drive that I started second guessing myself. Was I going to be able to deliver a baby? Could my body physically handle what was about to happen? I already knew that this little girl was the love of my life, so that part didn't freak me out. I knew that she was a blessing. Grace.... Meaning "a gift from God" She was MY gift from God. We got to the hospital & my contractions were less than 2 minutes apart. I got some medicine & rested (in between the MANY times I got sick). Finally at around 6:45 a.m. I was moved into a birthing room.My labor was tough. I had a reaction to my epidural & shook uncontrollably. I was excited, scared, & ready for this chapter, the pregnancy, to be over. I was ready to start my life....I was ready to meet my "Amazing Grace", I was ready to be a mom. Finally after hours of shaking, pushing, & clinging to my husband she was here! At 12:44 p.m. I finally got to meet my daughter. There are no words to describe the emotions that I felt the instant I heard her first cry. Dusty said "She's got your mouth! Oh my gosh! She's beautiful! She's perfect!" My gift from God. In that instant I was forever changed. Graclyn Blake Joplin weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz & 19 1/2". She was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. She had a perfect shaped head, big almond shaped eyes, full lips (thanks to her momma :)), & she was tan. Not all splotchy like most newborn's. She was absolutely perfect!

These past 4 years have been the best years of my life. Graclyn has taught me patience, how to love like I never knew was possible, to laugh like I've never laughed before, & more than anything, she made me believe in miracles. She is a daughter, a big sister, a grand daughter, a great grand daughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend, but most of all she is a blessing. I thank God everyday for "my gift", because that's exactly what she is.

Happy Birthday Gracy girl! I love you with all my heart!