Happy 3rd Birthday Meredith!

3 years ago today I was grocery shopping and picking up some Christmas gifts at Kohl's. I was huge and ready to get this baby out of me! However, I was only experiencing very light contractions and assumed my induction would still take place on 11/16. Little did I know my baby had other ideas. My contractions starting picking up later that night to the point I called my midwife. She said I could labor at home for a little longer. I had tons of work to finalize before being "out of the office" for a few days. I sat at my computer and typed between my contractions that were now 10 minutes apart. My Mom sat in the adjacent room and couldn't believe I was holding off on getting to the hospital. She told me work could wait but I was determined to finish up what needed to be done. Finally, I told David we should probably go. At this point my water had not yet broken. A bit difference from Katelyn since my water broke first in that case and I had to be induced to get labor started. I won't go through all the details of that day but let's just say we BARELY made it to the hospital. Meredith was born less than an hour from when we arrived and I had the opportunity for a natural birth. Not a choice I would have ever made on my own but Meredith decided when she was ready....she was ready and not enough time for the drugs. I will say Meredith's personality has been this way ever since.

Dear Meredith,
I feel so lucky to be your Mommy. Yes, you are a very spirited and at times a challenging child to raise. However, I know your spirit will take you to wonderful places. You light up a room when you walk into it and you're only 3 today. Your curly hair and bubbly personality are impossible to forget. You have added so much to our lives and I know your sister and brother just adore you. Even when you dump out all my lotion in the sink, ruin your sister's art project and grab every toy your brother wants....we still adore you!

I look forward to watching you grow from a toddler to a young girl. I can't even imagine what exciting times are to come as you grow into a teenager and young woman. I will always be here for you during all the good and the bad times.

I've been told you're a lot like me. I hope that's a good thing! I know you will be a strong and independent woman. I know you will never let anyone tell you no and yes, I've already experienced this myself. Keep your spirit and cute way about you even when you are punished for it.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Meredith!

Love Always,
Mommy