How Charlotte Came Into The World

On the first day of the lunar New Year, in the very lucky year of the rabbit, Mommy and Daddy decided to bring you into the world.

A couple weeks later we took a test and yes! It was positive. You were already growing inside your mommy’s tummy.

We went to the doctor to have your picture taken. For the first time, we heard your little heart beating.

Then you grew and grew. First, you were the size of a blueberry. Then you were the size of a grape. Soon you were the size of a fig, and then a lime. Next, you were the size of a shrimp, so we nicknamed you The Prawn.

The doctor took your picture again and you were so big! Now we could see your hands and your feet and your beautiful face.

The doctor ran some tests, and for a whole week we worried because we thought you might be sick. But oops! It was all a big mistake, and when they ran the tests again you were just perfect. And we found out that you were a girl. Yay!

To celebrate, Mommy and Daddy went on a trip to Hawaii. We swam in the warm blue ocean and relaxed. You were there with us in your mommy’s tummy.

Inside Mommy’s tummy, you were very busy moving around. You practiced karate, played soccer, and danced a ballet. Mommy felt you moving all day long, but you were nice and quiet at night so Mommy could sleep.

The whole family was so excited for you to come. But what should we name you? Aunt Liz joked that we should call you Skipper after Barbie’s little sister. Skipper has been one of your nicknames ever since.

We got all ready for you to come. Daddy put a new door and new windows on your nursery and we decorated it just for you with jungle animals.

Mommy’s tummy got bigger and bigger and bigger as you grew. Soon it was time for you to be born.

But the cord that connected you to Mommy had gotten wrapped around your neck- twice! You weren’t going to budge.  “I’m not coming out. Y’all gonna have to come in and get me!” you said.

A week went by past your due date, but still you wouldn’t budge. “I’m not coming out. Y’all gonna have to come in and get me,” you said a little louder.

Another five days went by, and we went to see Dr. Harvey. “I’m not coming out. Y’all gonna have to come in and get me,” you shouted. So Dr. Harvey sent us to the hospital.

At the hospital, you still wouldn’t budge. “I’m not coming out. Y’all gonna have to come in and get me,” you yelled to Dr. Daniels. She heard you loud and clear and said, “Let’s get this baby out of here!”

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 2:47 in the morning, the doctors opened up Mommy’s tummy and pulled you out. You weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and you were 19 inches long. You were absolutely perfect.

They wrapped you in a cozy blanket and put a little pink hat on your head to keep you warm. Daddy held you first, and Mommy held you next. And we knew right then that we would name you Charlotte Jeanne.

As they wheeled us back to our room, we saw Aunt Liz, Grandma and Pops in the waiting room. You looked them straight in the eye and spoke your very first word: “Weh!” Aunt Liz said you looked like a baby squirrel.

Then Papa and Grandma Mary held you. Then Pops and Grandma held you. Then Aunt Liz and Uncle Eric got their turn. Everyone loved you instantly.

A couple days later it was time to go home. You had your first car ride, and Pops, Grandma, Aunt Liz and Uncle Eric were there to greet us when we arrived.

“Welcome home, Charlotte,” they said. "Welcome to the family. Welcome to the world. We love you."