It was Father’s Day morning, 3 in the morning to be exact, when we decided it was time to go to the hospital. The contractions were coming so fast, we didn’t have time to pack a bag, we just rushed out the door.
Your dad ran every red light, seriously thinking you’d be born in the car. We made it to the hospital, and while the nurses wanted to ask me a million questions I begged them to check me. I was 9 1/2 centimeters. With no time for drugs, and really no time to think, my doctor rushed in. After 3 pushes, it was over.
Your dad leaned over and said, “It’s a girl.” I couldn’t concentrate on anything but that little girl on the scale. Crying, shaking, cold. A nurse asked if we had a name. Eden Marie Ireland.
They placed you in my arms and I said, “hello.”
The last two years have completely changed my life. Going from a news anchor/reporter to completely working from home. We’ve moved 5 times in 4 different states, but have finally landed in the place we currently call home.
Eden,
At 2 years old you are girly, a cat lover and obsessed with the color pink. You are everything I was not at your age, but you look like me. You love to grab everything in the house that’s pink and carry it around with you, with a purse on one arm and a cat under the other. You call the color “Dee Dee Pink,” because you think it’s exclusive to you. You like to “go to work”, ride in your brother’s golf cart and care for your kitty cats when they are sick, cold or hungry.
You have a scar on your forehead from pillow diving into some stairs with your brother. You received 5 stitches, but were so brave. You have scraps on all your legs, knees, hands, even knuckles from playing with your brother. He’s hard on you, but he is also incredibly caring toward you. He chauffeurs you around in his power wheels, gives you things when you ask for them, holds your hand, kisses you, hugs you, and prays for you every night. Between Luke and your father, you are going to grow up in a world of men spoiling you, and I hope that never changes.
You talk. A LOT. Like nonstop. You always has something to say. You love your mama. You and Luke will get into an argument and Luke will say, “I love daddy!” and you will come up to me and hug and kiss me and say, “This is my mommy, and I love mommy!” When you ask me to do something for you, and I do it, you always respond with, “That’s a good girl.”
Your dad gives you and your brother showers at night and brushes your hair. You only let your dad brush your blonde curls. You then find your way downstairs to my arms and ask me to hold you, and I never want to let go.
You love books, romance novels in particular…”Dee Dee Pink” romance novels if we’re being really specific. You love Minnie Mouse and Marie from Aristocats. You love to cuddle and sing. You do not like your mom’s singing. You like to give hugs and kisses, but you do not like everyone. You are really good at giving the stank eye and rolling your eyes at most people. I’ve had to apologize a couple times, but secretly I’m happy you are selective with whom you trust.
I have no idea what the future holds for you, but I have never been so committed to raising you a certain way. My prayer for you is that you love God, your family, and always work hard. Realize in life nothing is given, you must earn everything. I hope you always stay skeptical of people, until you get to know them. I pray you are a leader and a strong woman full of grace. Always be an individual. Be kind. Help those in need. Be respectful. And never forget where you came from.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Eden. You will never truly understand the impact you’ve had on our hearts.
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