A Beautiful Day

June 12, 2010 was one of my most favorite days ever. After waiting nine long months and then laboring for 3 days, we were more than ready.

Our good friends, Blake and Allison got married that morning and I was determined not to miss their wedding. After not sleeping for 3 days and taking pain killers from my doc to help with the contractions, I was a little unsure that I would make it through the wedding though. I sat on the back row and breathed quietly through the contractions and tried not to draw attention to myself. The photographer snapped this pic without me knowing...

I am so glad I was able to witness those vows. Hoping to make it to the reception, we entered... only to turn right around as I told Carson that I couldn't make it any more. It was time! We rushed back to the car and waved to our friends as we peeled out of the parking lot. So dramatic:)

By the time we got to the hospital, I was 6 cm and ready for my epidural. Once I got that epidural, I was a new person. Family arrived and the excitement was building. I was so ready to meet this little guy.

The nurses and doctor came in at 9:00 that night, ready for me to push. He was born at 9:39 p.m.

It was definitely one of the sweetest moments ever when they placed him in my arms. Holden Taylor Royal. I loved him. I always will. I always had.

Such a sweet moment for Carson and I to have together with him. We cried and prayed and thanked the Lord for his precious life.

And then I got nauseated and almost threw up on him. So I had to quickly hand him back.

They watched him in the nursery for about an hour before we could introduce him to family.

There was excitement...

And there were tears of joy...

And then we brought the grandparents in to meet him for the first time.

We passed him around and took pictures and announced his name.

Holden... a name that reminds us of what we have learned through his little life. When we were faced with infertility and threatened miscarriage, the Lord gave us such a peace by reminding us that he was holding us and that he was holding him. When we heard that name, we knew that we (and he) would need to be reminded constantly of that promise. We pray that Holden will be able to find joy in knowing that Jesus is holding him. Taylor... after my brother who was stillborn, Taylor Edward Pyles.

Once family visited and trickled out, we closed the hospital door, held our son, and began this adventure of being a family.

P.S. My sweet sister-in-law, Sara, made a video of Holden's birthday. You can see it here..

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