Welcome Emma Alison Brassell, our Christmas miracle!
What a joyous celebration it was welcoming Emma to our family. The night before Christmas Eve, John and I set up presents and watched “Christmas in Connecticut”. We rolled over to go to bed, and at 12:02 AM my water broke. I told John and he was so excited. We hurriedly got everything ready and woke up the kids at 1:00 AM exclaiming “Santan came!” By 1:13 AM all the stockings were emptied and presents opened. John and I scurried out the door instructing the kids to charge anything they wanted to play with in the morning, but to get some sleep!
Labor was long and inconsistent. It was difficult and exhausting, and I was so grateful to have John there with me.
At 12:04 PM Christmas Day, Emma entered the world. The doctor placed her in my arms and I exclaimed ”oh! You’re finally here. We’ve waited so long for you.” I was so emotional. It was a moment when time seemed to stretch out and I felt I knew her before.
When Emma was born, she didn’t cry, or even whimper. She looked around and seemed like she was trying to absorb her surroundings. She seemed so present. It took a few minutes of jostling her to get a cry, and even then it was so short.
We sent pictures to the kids, who were at church. I am so grateful for our ward family who surrounded the kids and celebrated Emma’s arrival with us. The kids were so excited to meet her and hold her.
That night, Cate spent the night with me and Emma at the hospital. We watched Christmas episodes of “Friends” on the the TV and just stared at our perfect baby all night long.
It was the best and longest day ever. As Cate slept on the couch next to me and Emma in my arms, I felt so much joy. My girls. I prayed they would stay close and look out for each other.
The next morning the boys rushed in the room and again it was a battle of who would get to hold Emma next and who was her favorite. John and I hugged and he leaned in and said, “we did it, she’s finally here.”
It was so precious to share the joy with those kids.
Day one of a long and happy adventure. Emma, ready or not- Welcome to the Brassell Family, we’ve been saving a spot for you.
