Yesterday - Aleana's Birthday

Aleana has this man in her life that likes to buy her flowers every now and then.

Not many boys are going to measure up to Dad!!
Grandma and Grandpa came over to eat cake.


Aleana loves to bake and decorate cakes. I told her she could not bake her own birthday cake.
She tricked me and told me she was baking cookies!!! I got to write the words on the top but the rest she did herself - the stinker!!!

I can't believe it's been 11 years already. Seems just like yesterday. Here's the story...


The Day Aleana Was Born (from my journal)

Welcome to the world Aleana Janelle!! Your Mom and Dad are very proud of you for making it safely into our arms. We are thankful to the LORD for keeping us safe through the entire experience. You are now almost 10 days old and already gaining weight on your cute chubby cheeks. We are just so thrilled with you , all of us here think you are beautiful - that includes Nana and Auntie Michelle who came from St. Albert especially for your arrival to help your Mom out (and your Dad!).

Do you want to know how you came into the world? It was the most touching moment of my life right next to marrying your Dad. It all started on the 22nd - I was scheduled to be induced with the gel. Since your Aunt Michelle was visiting with us already she came to the hospital with us. We went home after the gel was applied and the only thing that happened was that the gel really stung - really really stung. I could hardly walk. We went to Bear Creek Park to walk and it was not fun. Went we went back to the hospital, I had not even dilated yet so they sent us home :(.

The next morning, more gel was applied and thankfully it didn't sting this time (they used a different brand) - I was elated about that. We went to the mall, and just walked alot, went to subway for lunch, went home, and Dad cut the lawn. Can you believe that? Then it was back to the hospital - I was having contractions again but nothing steady and still no dilation. More gel was applied and they sent us home again :(. We were starting to get frustrated.

Contractions started up again, so it was back to the hospital - still no dilation (you just did not want to come out!!). Both of us were in tears, so a kind nurse gave me an IV so that I would have to be admitted, this relaxed me - to know that I was where I was supposed to be and now I was going to have the baby. So we got to our own room and I went straight into the shower - by this time it was 2200. I stayed in there for over an hour. It stopped the shaking and the contractions were manageable. I went back to bed but that only lasted 15minutes, so it was back into the shower and this time things were different. [ In hindsight I see that this is the point where I transitioned but I was young and unexperienced so what did I know?].

The pain intensified and I felt like I had to push. We called the nurse and we agreed that I would breathe through the urges because I had not dilated yet, pushing would hinder the cervix from opening. This was impossible to do because I really felt like pushing!!! It was a feeling that was so undeniable and automatic that my body had great difficulty ignoring this. Thinking that there was no possible way I could have gone from 0 - 10 cm in just an hour I agreed to be checked stealing myself for the possible disappointment of no progress. When the nurse checked I was 8 cm. Cause for celebration right? Well, I was shocked but had no time to rejoice as another contraction came with a pushing urge. I was asked to hold off of the pushing for awhile?!?!. This continued to be impossible for me, the urge was too great. Now, I was pushing with the most amazing grunts thath were emerging from the depths of my being.

A few more contractions and the waters broke. I remember crying because FINALLY I was going to have our baby and I was so happy to be in labor. The nurse checked again and I was fully dilated. I got ready for pushing and it was great, lots of people were cheering me on and I felt so positive about it. Since the family doctor couldn't make it on time, the OB on call came. Your heartrate was going lower so they seemed to panic about that [I know now, that it's normal in fast births] and they did an episiotomy and used this vacuum to pull you out. I don't remember it being that bad, I guess because they froze everything for the episiotomy. I remember saying "Hallelujah, Thank you God!!" and even later on I told the doctor "I would do that again any day!!" Auntie Michelle was there and was able to witness the whole miracle.

As soon as you entered the world the doctor put you on my belly - you were slimy ( sorry to say, but it's true!) but already turning pink. You were crying - upset we took you out of your warm home. I couldn't believe how big you were!! Your Dad and I both had tears running down our cheeks - Auntie Michelle too. It was the most beautiful moment when they were checking you out in the warmer and you were crying and I said "Aleana, it's your mother..." and you heard me, turned your head and stopped crying for a minute. That was so touching. You knew my voice - after nine months you'd think so wouldn't you?

You were born at 0037 and around 0300 I arrived in my own private room (because they had no other place to put me!). I didn't sleep a wink that night becuse I was just in extreme awe as to how beautiful you were and how big you were. I spoke to you off and on through the night and fed you every 2 hours or so. We took you home around 1400.

Thank you LORD for giving us the privilege of parenting our spirited, kind, creative and beautiful Aleana!!! Her independant drive (me do! me do!) and servant's heart will serve her well, as she continues to learn to enhance her God-given talents and use her gifts to His honor and glory. We love you Aleana!!!