7 Years Ago (yesterday)

Jace left to work like any other regular day. I stayed home and mopped the kitchen floor of our tiny 2 bedroom apartment in Gilbert. Jessica came in the afternoon. She rode me to hospital. Jace came to my hospital room after work. Pitocin IV was administered. Epidural given shortly thereafter. Lindsay and Jace fell asleep. It was 3 in the morning when the nurse gently woke me up to let me know it was time to push.

"Jace, wake up. Wake up. It's time."

20 minutes later we had 8 lbs. 10 oz. of this:

She never made a peep. Not one cry. They washed her up and handed her back to me. The new family of 3 went back to sleep. Our newest member laying in my arms, in the bed with me. It was the kind of labor and delivery you would watch on any daytime soap popera. A dream.

Life resumed. Jeans slipped back on. Jace and I never skipped a beat. Baylor Macy Baum just rode along with us. Everywhere we went. Just content to be there. I'd place a bet you've never met a happier, nicer baby. Unnumberable fat rolls, her father's big lips, her mother's blue eyes, and curls on top. We fell hard. We had no idea what other parents were talking about. This was not only easy but very enjoyable. We were definately going to do this again. 11 times.

We did do it again. 2 years later. And 3 years after that. Life was soon teaching the overconfident Baum parents that most epidurals don't work, babies sometimes cry, jeans don't zip up for months, and not all babies enjoy going to Wal-mart or to the movies.

With the addition of two brothers, Macy learned quick how to be a mama and a best friend. She is still one of the happiest girls I know. Although, learning how to make her content is proving to be more difficult with each passing year.

We feel so blessed to have her in our family. She and I can't figure out who the boss is with Jace gone but she is the best help and loves to bring a smile to my face every chance she gets. I got two presents from her on her birthday. She taught Noah how to hula-hoop yesterday. She requested roast beef sandwiches for lunch. She got the lead role in Grandma Mickey's navtivity play:

Besides the cupcake walk, gingerbread houses, the pink iPod, the new Christmas dress, parties and phone calls with cousins, her favorite birthday moment was this :

Thanks Addie. Her dream of trading her curly locks for Mattie Claire's long, blond locks came true, if only for an afternoon. I can't believe my baby is 7. She still makes my job easy and enjoyable. I will tell her one day how she filled a hole in my heart and how she teaches me everyday how to be a more loving and fun mother. I have still yet to wake up from that dream 7 years ago..................I love you Macy Baum Baum.