This wasn’t my first experience of being in labor and delivery. I’ve witnessed the birth of both of my nieces and my best friend’s newest little boy. 

When I got the call Friday night that Stephanie’s water had broke, I was ready and I was rushing to get to the hospital. Little did we know that we would have to wait several hours to get placed into a birthing suite. (Don’t have a baby on the weekend) Once we were in the room. We thought it would be smooth sailing from then on since they induced Stephanie. Oh, but we were so wrong. God had a plan and Caroline had a plan. A stubborn little baby just like her aunt Jodi. 

From 6:30am to 11:30pm on Saturday, which made for a long day of waiting. The pitocin was slowly increased periodically and Caroline was doing great. Her heartbeat and contractions looked awesome the doctors said. The problem was there just wasn’t any progression with the delivery. Although Caroline was not in danger, it was time to take a different route. Saturday evening my brother and I took turns to go home for a little bit. After being awake for 30 some plus hours, I just wanted a shower. When I left the hospital I was uncertain of what was going to happen and if it did happen would it occur the next day. I took the longest shower ever and really just wanted to crawl into bed. Though I knew if I went to sleep then no one would have seen me until Tuesday. Hah! After getting some clothes on Cody calls me quite upset that Stephanie was crying that they were going to proceed with a c-section. Cesarean is such a scary thought. Stephanie being a second time mom didn’t have a cesarean with her first born, Kenley. 

It was the only option left. Caroline wasn’t in distress, it was just time. Stephanie’s body wasn’t going to be able to deliver a big baby. I arrived back at the hospital to meet my brother in the parking deck. He had some concerns about the whole procedure. He didn’t want to even be in there. As we know most men are weak when it comes to pain and blood. He also didn’t know that he would have to be the only one in the OR when they did the c-section. Uh oh that meant I also would be in there to support him or capture the birth. When we arrived back to the room they were prepping for surgery. On the table there was one white coverall, foot covers and hair cap. Then my brother asked if I wanted to go in there instead of him. Yeah um no, it’s not my baby. When the nurse and anesthesia doctor returned, I asked about how this surgery works and would the baby be brought back into the room we were already in. I wanted to know how was I supposed to get photos of all this since only daddy can be in the OR. The kind nurse told us she would check and see. I was already getting bummed out. I knew that they don’t allow more than one person during this major surgery. To my disbelief the nurse returned holding another coverall and footies just for me. I was ecstatic. I was going to be there support Cody and supporting Cody helped him to support Stephanie. I knew my God was there too. Cody entered into the room before I was allowed to. I was able to watch through a window of an room off the OR, which the door had a clear class window. As soon as Caroline was there I was able to go in. Overwhelmed with joy. I cried. After waiting so long and Stephanie being in labor for 29 hours the most beautiful baby girl was here. 

Cody was so proud and the first to hold Miss Caroline Kate. 

Cody is my twin brother. We have a different relationship than compared to my older brother. It’s like a friendship and sibling on a different level. I watched my brother become a raw and emotional man the night Caroline  was born. I will forever hold that emotional moment in my heart. 

After Stephanie was in recovery for 2 hours they had a room for us to get mom and baby settled in. The nurses and doctors did such a great job in caring for Caroline and Stephanie. God is so good. I finally was back home and blessed. A beautiful sunrise happens on my drive. By the time I laid down I thought to myself that I hadn’t  had any sleep in 44 hours. Like how does one do that? Crazy! I was extremely exhausted but also extremely blessed to have welcomed another beautiful niece into the world. Oh how I’m going to spoil her too. 

I got in a few hours of sleep. I was excited to wake because I knew that a little boy was over the anticipation of meeting his little sister. 

The images from Caroline’s birth story and the fresh 12, pull at my heart strings. I’m incredible happy for the Bowman family and their newest addition. 

Two things I would like to point out: 

**I would like to give a big thanks to the nurse (Tonya) who made it possible for me to be in the OR. 

**Caroline’s middle name is Kate. The name could not be anymore perfect for the fact that Cody was always a gem in our Aunt Helen’s eye. We wish she could be here to see Cody’s first born but we know in some way she really is. 

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.