Three years ago, I woke up around 2:30 a.m. and realized that I was probably in labor.   I puttered around the house trying to let Kevin get all the sleep possible.  After all, he had a headache and was tired.  I posted on my favorite boards and kept them updated with the latest contractions and my absolute frustration and irritation that I couldn't find the bean bag chairs and the blue towels.  I specifically wanted those blue towels.  (Nice and dark, no stains showing on them suckers!)  My grey towels were brand new and light.  Not exactly birthing towels.

I finally gave up and woke up Challice.  She didn't have a clue but was excited to know things were happening.  She took over the updates for me.  It was now around 5:30.  I gave up and woke up Kevin.  I then learned that the beanbags were thrown away and apparently every blue towel in this family was dirty.  We gathered all the stuff together, I built a huge leaning post on my bed, and geared up for the birth.

6:00 a.m.  I realized the kids would need to get out of here.  They can't go to the bathroom without walking past my door.  I need the bathroom a lot during labor.  Nope, get the kids out of here NOW.  We called Robin Blair and she came and took the kids home.  After she left, Kevin asked who was coming to help.

Help?  I was supposed to get you help wasn't I?  oops!  (I had a bad bad bad time remembering basic things like bill paying and food consumption that pregnancy.)  I sent Challice down to get our neighbor Lynn who had volunteered to help in any way she could.  Challice raced down the street in her PJs.  (She's seen too many movies where if you don't RUN you'll be too late.  If labors were only that simple.

It was now 6:30 a.m.  You don't want to know how many trips to the bathroom I'd had by now.  Let's just say that I remembered why I LOVE indoor plumbing.  Robin Blair returned and was here by 6:45.  At 6:49 I demanded food.  At  6:50 Lorna was born.  Bless her darling little heart, she was the ugliest little thing in those first few minutes.  Thankfully, she didn't look like an alien from Doctor Who for very long and we have many adorable pictures of her since.

Since birth, her timing has been impeccable. If we said something funny, she smiled.  If we said we were out of ice cream, she frowned. She wailed at just the right times in Pastor Neipp's sermons and giggled often enough to keep him smiling.  She just has that talent.

Several of our children seemed to develop their personalities around ages two to four.  It took Lorna about two to four days.

Happy Birthday Rosy Lorna... you delight us in so many ways!

Big sister Braelyn took these pictures but insists that we try it again next week.  She wasn't pleased.  Snort. 

After the photo shoot, they came home and we had the very delicious and nutritious meal of chicken nuggets and chips.  (Man I HAVE TO GET WELL).  After which there was mud pie from Baskin Robbins.  She thought blowing out the candes was the funniest thing EVER. 

After this, we opened gifts.  This was hysterical.  Lorna opened her first gift, a little Kelly doll from Hannah Lloyd.  She played happily with this but Jenna was eager to give her another package.  Braelyn's.  She immediately stuck the red bow from the package on her head.  Bows go in the hair you know.  Braelyn gave her  I'll Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch.  We've worn out two of these books.  This is an absolute favorite book.

Then the fun really began.  There were stickers in the package.  She promptly slapped one on the back of her hand.  She started to open the book but saw her doll.  She reached for the doll but before she could play with it and read her book another package, from Challice, slid in front of her.  She started opening that package.  Inside was a new dress and jumper.  She wanted it on immediately so of course, she stripped.  Right there, at the table.  We've gotta work on that modesty thing just a little bit longer.

The dress was a midge *cough* big but she wore it like a ball gown.  Maybe that's what she thought it was, I don't know.  Ball gowns with pumpkins.  Happy thought indeed.  Then a bag with a Disney princess on it was plopped in front of her.  Now she had clothes to wear, puzzle (came wth dress) to play with, doll to hold, book to read, stickers to stick...... AAAAAAAKKKKKKKk what's a kid to do?!

She opened the bag of course.  Tissue paper flew out of the bag at lightning speed.  Whatever was in the bag (I never got to see!  hee hee) flew out wrapped in tissue too.  Once the bag was empty she looked at it, slightly confused, and then slipped it on her arm.  Must be a purse.  They finally retrieved the actual gift for her but by now Andra had passed off another package.  Lincoln Logs from mom and dad.

You should have seen it.  She's trying to read a book, play with a doll, slip on a bag, hold the stickers and that other thing, AND play with Lincoln Logs.  At the same time.   I must say the look of relief when she glanced at the the upper shelf in the living room was comical.  Later she looked again as if she was ready for round two   Thankfully for all of us, there was no round two.  I cannot imagine how that child coud have opened anything else at that point.  That is the advantage and disadvantage of having older siblings who have ready cash.  Birthdays and Christmas have more "stuff" attached.  But as one who loves to give myself, I have to just shut my trap and let them enjoy giving. 

It was a great day.  G'night.

This must be the hidden gift in the tissue!