A few summer's back, I went to the temple and received a very strong prompting that it was time to start trying for children. I remember feeling such fear because Scot and I were still in school and we could not financially afford a child at that time, let alone have the time to raise a child. But that prompting kept coming back. I finally gave in and with a loving and faithful husband, we started trying.
Coming from a very fruitful family, I had this belief that we would conceive quickly. Six months went by and still no announcement. Scot and I were starting to wonder if there was something wrong but we had heard that it usually takes couples about a year to conceive so we weren't too worried. Months continued to go by and after many negative pregnancy and ovulation tests, we decided to consider that we were one of those couples that would have to deal with infertility issues.
Infertility. I hate that word and hated when the doctors would use it in our appointments. After hearing about our test results, the odds were against us. We turned once again to the Lord and put it in His hands. A few weeks later and a lot of fasting, the results were finally positive.
When I found out, I was actually terrified. Terrified to have my hopes up at this moment and then have them come crashing down due to a miscarriage. You hear about it all the time from others and I didn't want to get excited. But after each week, my confidence grew in myself and this little one and at about 12 weeks, the doctor gave me the thumbs up. Everything was going to be alright. We could finally breathe and believe that this precious baby could actually come.
Speed forward nine months.
It was 12:55 am and I sat up to go to the bathroom. I don't know how else to describe it rather than a gush of water came out of my body. It was the strangest thing! And how rare for a first baby to have the water break and be 10 days early! We were obviously not prepared for it! But we went to the hospital and sure enough, I was dilated and ready for labor. The labor lasted for about 11 hours and was textbook. I dilated about every hour or so and by 12:00, the nurse told me to push. 10 minutes later and about 5 pushes, our sweet baby boy was born. He was good to me.
I am so grateful for our Michael. It is strange to love someone this much. I don't know how to put into words the love I feel for him. He has already blessed our lives so much and I am so grateful he is finally here. Scot and I talk about how we now can't see our lives without him. We just are in love with him over here.
I made this video more for myself actually. I know the song is super cheesy since it is from Twilight but every time it came on in the car I would just cry because it made me think of how much love I have for my children that weren't born yet and how much I wanted them here.
I am so grateful to be a mother. There is no greater calling in life. I am so grateful for the love and support we received from our friends and family through this. I am so grateful for a supportive husband who had the faith through this whole process. I am so lucky and feel so blessed.
Welcome to our home Michael! We love you!
Michael Donald Neff
Friday, April 5, 2013
12:10 pm
7 lbs 3 oz 19.5 in
