Sarah’s patience in the days leading up to the much anticipated birth of her second daughter floored me. I can’t say I’ve ever been the most patient person in the world…especially when it comes to expecting a baby, but each time I would speak with Sarah as the days ticked by past her due date, she sounded so calm, so “let it be,” exactly how a mommy should be–the baby will get here when she gets here…no need to rush it.

Sarah called me at about 5 p.m. and I have to giggle remember what she said, “Yeah, I think my water broke!” I could definitely hear the excitement in her voice this time and it was contagious! I have to admit I was a little hesitant to accept this birth session because it was in Ft. Hood and I was extremely nervous about missing the birth due to the drive. Sarah was very convincing early on ;-), but I was still ready to bounce out the door after that phone call. But I waited. And I waited. And I waited. When should I leave????

Finally, I got another call letting me know that progress was being made and so I ventured out into the dark headed toward Ft. Hood.

Sarah was handling the contractions so well when I got there (I guess it was around 10 or 11 p.m. at this point). We all hung out in her room together, chatting and giggling and watching the Olympics. I was so incredibly relieved that I made it there in time and the guards actually gave me clearance to get on base, LOL. At around 2 a.m., things were still moving along, but everyone decided to try to catch a couple hours of sleep before the real “go time.” I have never done this before, but all of us–Sarah, her hubby, her mom, and myself–all curled up in the hospital room right then and there and dozed off to the soothing sound of baby girl’s heartbeat. I did  have to snap a few pictures before we drifted off because it was SOOOOOOOOO beautiful and peaceful…that time before your whole world changes and it’s those last few hours of knowing that baby is still inside you. I don’t know how any of us slept, but somehow we did and when the lights came on in the room at 4 a.m., we were all pretty rested and ready to meet this little girl.

She was SO alert! Look at her looking at her daddy!!!

And then it was time for the sisters to meet…

I will admit I was pretty tired driving home that morning from Killeen, but I was also completely elated over witnessing the first few moments together of this little family. The sunrise that morning was glorious. I was going to keep driving by, but I forced myself to pull over and take a few pics…this was the sunrise on the morning she was born. No one will ever be just like her and the sunrise will never look just like this again.

Sarah…thank you much for letting me be there to document V’s birth for you. You are one incredible mommy and I’m so happy that you and your girls are finally together!