On Saturday, December 12th, I woke up in the dark of the morning to the knowledge that my baby was on her way. I felt relieved and scared and excited and nervous. I imagine all expecting moms feel like that as their body announce the beginning of a new little life. I tried very hard to lay still, to not disturb my sweet husband, and for a few hours, I was successful. But, by 7 am it was very hard not to bolt up in bed as each little spasm worked its way through my body.
Once it was light out, I got up, still trying to let Mr. Darling sleep but hoping that just being vertical would help. It didn't.
The clouds hung thick and low. Their great, grey presence set my mood. It was hard to be excited while my body betrayed me, but I tried to just keep busy. I sewed Christmas presents, scrubbed the floors on my hands and knees, vacuumed, and once my pains were too close together and I was too tired to do much more, I laid on the couch and watched Night At The Museum 2. I have NO IDEA what that movie was about. I think we ordered pizza for dinner, but that too was a blur.
By 1 am on Sunday, my contractions were over 1 minute long and 4 or 5 minutes apart. Weston grabbed my bag and we headed to the hospital. I felt like I was watching myself from overhead. I remember trying to walk carefully. The driveway had frozed solid and snow was falling thick and wet on top. The slick surface made me nervous. Once in the car, I watched the clock waiting for the next contraction and praying it wasn't a false labor. Weston drove slow. We could barely see the road through the snow. Soon enough, we were in the hospital and the nurse announced that I was officially in labor.
I tried the natural birth thing, but after more than 24 hours of labor, I was exhausted, and gave in to the offer of an epidural. And I am so so glad I did! Within an hour my body had relaxed enough to start pushing. With my extremely supportive husband and super experience nurse, I began the actually baby delivering process. Two brief hours after that at 9:15 am, Abigail Jean was born into our family. Weston loved her from the moment he laid eyes on her.
My first visitor was my mom, of course. She brought balloons for me and cookies for the nursing staff. She is just wonderful that way. 
And we got home as quick as we could so we could enjoy our adorable, tiny bundle! 
Look at her hair!!!! We absolutely love playing with it and it is SO soft! 
(Picture by Angie of AM Photography)
Thank you thank you everyone for the visits, well wishes, and outpouring of love. We are simply enthralled with this new little baby and so grateful to know that she already has so many people who love her. We can't wait to get to know her!
We caught the same flight as most of Mr Darling's siblings and were able to sit near each other on the plane.
Then, Kirk arrived!
