A year ago my sister Katie and her family moved up to Washington. I love, love, LOVE having them close! They live about 45 minutes away, so we don't see them all the time, but we make it a point to get together fairly regularly.
I especially love that our kids get to spend time with their cousins and establish strong relationships. They generally manage to have lots of fun together.
Aubree's often the odd-lady out because she's so much older than the rest of the crew, but she and Anna have bonded over barbies, dress-up, and being the oldest girls. They are similar in build and clothing preferences (though Anna is more fashion-conscious), so that works out well when Aubree passes clothes down to Anna!
I also really enjoy being able to get together on birthdays. I grew up with cousins who lived super close, and I always loved having family birthday parties.
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| Anna's birthday, 2015 |
Another unexpected, yet amazing benefit of having Katie live nearby, is that I was able to witness the birth of baby Jordyn!
Katie went into labor late the evening before her due date. I put Nellie in the van and drove up to meet her and Seth in the hospital (Nellie screamed the entire drive).
Some of the nurses and on-call doctors weren't sure Katie was "really" in labor and wanted her to walk around to see if she continued to progress. Seth was generous enough to allow me to take over walking the halls with Katie (I believe there was a Suns game on TV).
Some of the nurses and on-call doctors weren't sure Katie was "really" in labor and wanted her to walk around to see if she continued to progress. Seth was generous enough to allow me to take over walking the halls with Katie (I believe there was a Suns game on TV).
Nellie was just nine weeks old at this point, so my own labor and deliver was plenty fresh in my mind. I kept thinking, "I'm so glad it's you and not me!"
Katie however, even when a serious contraction would hit, assured me, "I really enjoy labor and delivery!"
An excellent nurse went to bat for Katie (telling her quietly, "I'm NOT going to let them send you home"), and pretty soon she was admitted into her own room. The walking around had helped Katie make some progress, and had also helped Nellie crash in my wrap.
Once in the room, Katie and Seth laughed and joked. When a contraction came, Katie would become quiet and focused, but otherwise remained calm and light-hearted. Soon, the doctor came in to break her water. There was meconium in the fluid.
We expected contractions to begin in earnest, but they continued as they'd been coming. Another half hour went by, and then Katie's water REALLY broke. I began to have a strong sense of deja-vu - everything was happening just like Nellie's birth!
Katie told the nurse, "I'm feeling pushy," so the doctor came in to check her. "You're only at a 6," the doctor warned, "don't push." Then the doctor left.
I texted Mark, "Katie's labors are JUST like mine! She's at the point where she wants a cold compress on her head." I figured she had another intense 30 minutes till baby made her debut.
I was wrong.
Just a couple minutes later, Katie whimpered, "I'm sorry, I have to push."
The nurse whipped around just in time to catch baby Jordyn!
A few seconds later, the doctor rushed in. "Why didn't you call me?"
-"There wasn't time!"
-"I was only standing in the hallway!"
Unbelievable. Katie is a labor and delivery champion! Did I mention this was totally un-medicated?
I imagine Katie might remember this experience differently. Regardless, it was absolutely miraculous and something I will never forget.
And now Nellie and Jordyn can be the best cousin-friends ever!
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