My Sweet Girl Has Arrived

Rylee Claire O'Neill came into the world on June 23 as we might have expected - she came quickly, on her own schedule and with a big wail letting everyone know she was here. The experience of giving birth to my daughter was one I'll never forget. I worked hard, knowing that the ultimate gift was soon within my reach, and feel I made my sweet girl proud with my labor and delivery performance. When the doctor said, "Here she is..." and the nurse then laid her on my chest, I was more emotional, elated, overwhelmed and in love than I have ever been in my life. I held her and cried and my Husband and I kissed each other over her and stared at her. We couldn't believe it! Now that she's in the world, I can't imagine life without her. It's as though she was destined to be my child from before the beginning of time. Purely and simply the love of my life, oh and beautiful to boot!

Greg and I are so incredibly happy and feel so lucky for every moment since June 23 at 8:55 a.m. when our daughter graced us with her birth. So, here are some of my favorite photos from over the past few days. I know there will be so many more where these come from, but it's a start...

Taking Bets

Everyone around me seems to have a guess as to when my little one will arrive. I am in the home stretch now and Rylee is doing so well - she could arrive at any time. Doc says we won't go to her due date - June 29 - but will induce by June 23 if she doesn't arrive before then. I have to say, having the light at the end of the tunnel so close is very exciting and scary!!

Here at work the ladies are overjoyed and excited. Each one has their own take on when the glorious event will take place. Of course, several hope I will go into labor right here in the office so they can proudly escort me to the hospital. That's sweet, but I'd rather go into labor at home.

One lady, in particular, here at work has said from the beginning that I would have the baby on June 11 (that's today!!) and she is sticking to that. She believes Rylee will be here before midnight tonight. That would be something!

I am thinking Rylee will be here sometime next week or weekend before June 23. What a nice Father's Day gift this would be for Greg if she were to arrive on June 20 or 21! I guess none of us really know what will happen. It's all up to the body and the baby at this point, but, as my Doc said last week: My daughter will have a June birthday!!