“We are 36 minutes away.”

“Hurray! She will be happy to see you”

“We can’t wait to see her.”

Davis Hospital is right off the freeway. We reached our exit in record time, pulled into the hospital drop off and I jumped out while the car was still moving. Bryce waited while I asked which way to Labor and Delivery. With an elevator and a room number as our short-term goal, we parked the car and ran back inside.

We walked in and were welcomed by so many. Marissa was on the bed and I couldn’t help but go to her. It felt like she had waited for us.

The room was so full of love. Bryce and I hugged everyone there. What an honor it was to be welcomed into such a sacred event.

It was so hard watching Marissa be so uncomfortable. I wanted to take away her pain. The hours leading up to our arrival at the hospital hadn’t been easy. Her blood pressure went too low and then too high. There were moments where she couldn’t speak and everyone was holding their breath and whispering prayers.

Within minutes the midwife and nurses were in the room, prepping her for delivery. It was time.

With the epidural in full swing, Marissa couldn’t feel her legs. Alysia and I helped her get into position. Bryce stood at the head of the bed, watching over her and helping lift her head while she pushed.

The pushing was difficult, but didn’t take long. Within minutes, Marissa was a pro.

Alysia and I stood by her side and helped her push. Between breaks we would watch over her. She was doing beautifully.

The midwife asked me if I saw the head and I shyly admit that I hadn’t looked. I was given permission to see the most amazing thing I had ever seen.

He was right there! I could see his beautiful head of hair.

Marissa kept pushing and we kept helping. I never realized how much of a team effort bringing a baby into the world is. We were her cheerleaders.

And then, like magic, there he was.

At 12:01pm on August 18^th, 2015 the most precious little boy I have ever laid eyes on was born.

Tears streamed down Marissa’s face as she felt the deepest love she’s ever known. Her son was here, on her lap, and perfect. We were in awe.

Bryce was honored to cut the umbilical chord and then this precious little baby was ready to get cleaned up.

Weighing 7lbs 2oz and measuring 19in long, we watched over him while the nurses stamped his feet on his records and jotted down notes.

The room was filled with so much joy to welcome such a perfect little boy from heaven.

I went to Marissa and hugged her.

“Congratulations. You’re a mom.”

“So are you.”

Alysia and Josh got to hold him. He is their first grandchild.

Bryce and I got to hold him. It was such a surreal moment to look down at this beautiful baby boy. We had talked about him for months.

You experienced so much that day, little man. Your first breath. Your first kiss. Your first selfie.

Welcome to the world, Hudson. You are loved by so many. You have been blessed with more family to love you, care for you, and watch you grow. From the moment you entered this world you have been surrounded by those who will always love you and be a part of your life.

Life is so much more with you. Love is an open door.