Clothed with Strength and Dignity: Fourth of July Extravaganza

My fourth of July weekend turned from originally having only the fourth off to a four day weekend, which I have had no objection to. The holiday started off by meeting up at my aunt's house on the third where they host a family/friend/work party every year. This is my favorite spot to watch fireworks because my aunt has one of the closest locations to where they let off the fireworks. And I'm not lying, these are probably some of the best fireworks I've ever seen. This year, I was fortunate enough to have friends join us for the night as we indulged in many goodies and caught up on our summer breaks.

[Here's the crew for the night]

[I'm stealing one of Justin's great pictures of the evening. Sorry Justin!]

On the actual fourth, my family partook in our typical activities for the day. Growing up on a small inland lake, we spent the day out on the water sitting around eating and talking (more eating than anything), swimming, jet-skiing, and tubing. This has always been a memorable holiday for me, especially as a child when I was accustomed to having my mom's entire extended family celebrate with us. We'd often have fifteen to twenty people piled on a boat to trail around the lake in the boat parade. Needless to say, lots of great memories on the lake on the fourth!

Later that evening, we slapped some steaks on the grill (well my mother did, to be exact: God bless that lady for her wonderful cooking) and concluded the evening with more fireworks around the lake. However, while everyone else was enjoying the fireworks, I prepared myself for work the next morning. Little did I know that I'd receive a text from the boyfriend's mom at 6:30 a.m. reading Code Red! Due on the fourth, we were already awaiting the arrival of Matt's nephew. So it was great to finally see that labor was in the agenda for the day. I decided to take work off (leading to my four day weekend. yes!!) and prepare myself for a long, but exciting day ahead.

Nearly a semester away from being an official registered nurse, Matt's sister was kind enough to invite me into the delivery room with her. I had completed my obstetrics clinical in the fall of '12, so I was accustomed to the birthing process. As I am approaching the end of my college career as a nursing student, it is definitely exciting to see what fields most interest me. And of course, who doesn't ~~like~~ love babies! But I'll save this subject for a later time. Like I said, this was an even more special, intimate experience. Not only being with a family that I have come to know, love, and consider my own family, but given my history, it was a precious opportunity to further expose myself to an area of nursing that compels me.

After what seemed like a short labor (which i'm sure it didn't feel that way for Matt's sister), a beautiful 8 lb. 6 oz. baby boy was brought into the world a little after two in the afternoon. Every birth I have ever been part of is one of a kind and precious in its own. What I most appreciate about L&D (for those of you not in the medical field, Labor & Delivery) is the energy that is feasted on in the hospital room. Despite the obvious labor pain, there is such a beautiful energy exuded when the baby's head surfaces and the baby is extracted from the mother and placed on her chest skin to skin. As my own eyes filled with tears, there was an abundance of relief, joy, and love on the faces around me.

I will never forget Matt's face though (yes, he was even present in the delivery room). He originally stated there was no way he was going to watch, ya know, the actual part when the "baby comes out." I was so proud though: he took part in the entire experience and I've never seen his face filled with such joy, surprise, and love. It was truly priceless. I think I fell in love with him all over again just seeing that face.

Okay...I promise no more rambling. I know you're just waiting to see a picture, so here are a couple.