Dear Nora

Dear Nora,

In the weeks leading up to your birth I was terrified, absolutely terrified that I would give birth to you at home, in a grocery store, or on the side of the road. I could tell you were eager to get here and it wouldn't take long once it was time. I was right but luckily we made it to the hospital just in time.

I woke up to a sharp pain in my abdomen and even though I wasn't having any contractions, I new it was time. I woke up your daddy and we piled Hudson and Isla in the car to take them to a friend's house. During the 20 minute drive to the hospital my contractions started and grew stronger and closer. At my appointment 5 days earlier I was already dilated to 5 cm so I knew we didn't have much time.

As we waited as patiently as possible in the ER, I knew we were running out of time. They finally took us back to triage where they started asking questions to check us in. Finally, I had to interrupt and ask the nurse to check my progress because I was feeling ready to push. Sure enough she decided to finish the questions later and get us into the delivery room as fast as possible. The doctor came in a started gowning (as slowly as possible, I thought your dad might push him out of the way and just deliver you himself!) a couple minutes and a few pushes later you were here! It had only been an hour and 15 minutes since I had woken up and you were here! I just kept thinking that if I would have stayed in bed and brushed it off we wouldn't have made it in time. I'm so glad we did though!

You were only 7lbs 6oz and 19 inches long. Compared to your brother and sister you seemed so teeny tiny! You had a head full of beautiful dark hair like Hudson and you looked so much like him but with Isla's expressions and demeanor. It took us a few hours to name you but we finally decided on Nora, an English name meaning "honor".

I have so many hopes and dreams for you! I hope you honor yourself and the ones you love. That you stay as beautiful and sweet spirited as you have been since the moment you came to us. You are loved by so many, especially your brother and sister that just want to hug and kiss and smother you all the time. It took Hudson a day to warm up to you but now he watches over you like every big brother should. We love you so much and we're so grateful for the beautiful blessing Heavenly Father has given us. We love you always Nora!

Love,

Mommy