No Pain, No Gain

Two weeks ago as I was in the throes of labor pain and reading the post my brothers dedicated to me about man pain, I was reminded of a former gymnastics coach who used to encourage me with the phrase "no pain, no gain."  Ah the wisdom I have repeatedly found in this phrase over the years.  Progression is sometimes uncomfortable.  Bringing a second beautiful daughter into this world has come with plenty of growing pains, but so much has been gained in return. Allow me to recap a few thoughts and feelings about the experience of expanding our family.

I took this little gem just two day before my little Grace was born.  It was my last shift at work, and I was feeling frustrated at my lack of ability to be able to pull my weight around the ER.  Part of me was really hoping that my water would just break already so I could get out of there.  "Sorry Doc, no can-do on that EKG, I've gotta go give birth."

She stayed put though for all twelve of those hours, and most of the weekend. By Sunday afternoon, I had some steady contractions starting to brew. Laboring women are weird. I was happily anticipating the mind-numbing excruciating pain. Every time a contraction would lessen in intensity, I found myself disappointed.  I was ready for the pain.  Bring it on.

And it was brought that evening as my sweet in-laws were being set apart to leave on their mission to Central America.  The room was packed with family and I sat on the couch nudging my sister-in-law to start the timer every time I felt a contraction beginning.  As soon as the "Amens" were said, my Michael gave me a blessing and we took a little drive to the hospital.

Labor was a little slow to progress until a Dr. broke my water and then whoa Nelly, it took off.  I had just enough time to get an epidural and crunch down a few ice chips before it was time to call the Doctor.  After a mere seven minutes of pushing, Grace Maria Crandall arrived at 11:43 PM on Sunday, February 22nd.  By the skin of her nonexistent teeth she managed to meet her Jasmer grandparents before they had to leave to prepare themselves for 18 months of church service.  My parents were also able to make the drive from Idaho Falls in time, despite a major road detour.

Her bright blonde head and super sonic high pitched screams have been welcomed wholeheartedly in our home.  Victoria has always been completely indifferent toward any kind of baby, but she already has developed a deep bond with her baby sister.  Good thing too, because with the two only being 17 months apart they are going to have a lot of close sister time.

I was lucky enough to have my Mom stay with us for a week to help me in the transition.  Oh that woman is an angel.  I was terrified to begin my time as a mother of two without her.  We're all surviving the transition through one dirty diaper at a time.  Making quick on the spot decisions has always stressed me out.  I am definitely not the one in my marriage to decide where we're going out to eat that night.  I think making the quick decisions has been one of the harder things about this experience.  I need to pee, Victoria needs her diaper changed, and Grace needs to eat: GO! However, I am getting better and feeling more confident with my ability to maintain the balance.

I was told countless times that having two children under two would mean having my hands full.  I never realized what a literal expression this is.  I absolutely love having my arms constantly full of my children.  My love has multiplied and I feel empowered with the responsibility of nurturing these little ladies. These last two weeks have contained moments of physical and emotional pain, but the gains are immeasurable.

-Natalie Dawn