What? It's been a year?

Sorry. I should have warned you about the picture, huh? I'll wait here while you go breathe into a paper bag, or perhaps pour yourself a stiff drink.

Ok. You back? Sorry again.

So, this is what I looked like exactly one year ago. Can you believe how far a person's belly can stretch? I was aware of how huge I had become, and apparently, felt like my hair needed to be equally large to compensate. When I see this picture, it reminds me to give my poor body a break. The fact that my stomach is a bit flabby, and my belly button is permanently frowning should be no surprise when I consider what I've put it through.

I remember this day, like all moms do, with bitter sweetness. I arrived at the hospital that morning determined to Not Be a Ninny. So, when the contractions got a bit strong, I decided to call my friend Susan. You know, to distract myself from the mounting pain. She answered and we chatted a bit, then I said I'd better go, as I was ready for my epidural. That was at 10am. When I called Susan back at 11:15 and told her I'd had an 8lb, 7oz baby girl she was agog. "But I was just on the phone with you an hour ago!" This baby came FAST. I almost didn't get that epidural in time. Heaven has a special place for the anesthesiologist who crawled in bed with me and counted in my ear through each contraction until the medicine kicked in. Seriously, the woman needs a halo and wings.

I have loved almost every minute of this year. When Paige was 7 weeks old, I wrote the following in my journal: 'This baby feels so much like she belongs here. Like she was away and has come home again'.

So, welcome home again baby Paige. I'm so glad you're my girl.