happy 1st birthday riley!

and so the rest of riley's birth story goes...

i labored all through the night, contraction after contraction, trying to fully dilate. my contractions were strong, but my body was just not cooperating! it was a long night, but somehow it went by pretty quickly. i think i was so focused and in such a rhythm that the hours just passed by. the sun starting coming up around 7am, and alas, i could start pushing! i pushed for 2 1/2 hours, in lots of different positions, but riley was just not coming. after much talk, tears and a HUGE effort on tyler and i's part, it was decided that she needed to come out via c-section. a big disappointment after several hours of really hard work, but we were beyond exhausted and so ready to meet our baby, we knew that it needed to be done. so out she came...

she was perfect the moment we saw her and i knew that we should name her riley - an irish name meaning valiant and courageous. she was "transverse" - her head was turned and facing the wrong way, a very challenging birthing position. friends and family flocked to meet her and we spent the next several days in the hospital admiring her beauty. her l o o o n g toes and fingers, her big bright eyes and her perfect shape. the day+ of labor did not seem to phase her - she was alert and looking around from the moment she came out.

she has been a true joy ever since. her vibrant and energetic personality keep me on my toes on an hourly basis - but i would not wish for anything different. she is sweet and full of smiles and has brought us more joy than we knew possible. i am blessed to spend every day with her. we are truly pals and i know these days are long and challenging, but something i will cherish the rest of my life. happy birthday to my sweet riley girl. i love you more than you know and look forward to watching you grow each and every day.