4 Nights in September

I was lucky enough to spend the night at your house the first four nights you were at home! It was a priceless experience. I got to hold you and talk to you a lot! "My shift" was between feedings from midnight to five am. I also got to see you a lot between times. It was amazing to watch you mature over just a few days. It was so good to see your loving, competent, awesome parents take such good care of you. Today you are one week old. I hope you have enjoyed the world so far. I'm looking forward to many more nights with you...and days too.

Sept 17, 2011 You are born 4:46 am

I went to the hospital Friday afternoon when your mother came in after hours of labor at home. About 10 pm the nurse told us it would probably be a long time before you were born, so I went to get some sleep. I set my alarm for 4:15 am but awoke before then. I can't say your voice was audible, but you called to me to get up and not to dwaddle. I went back to the waiting area and kept an eye on your mother's room. It wasn't long before the action in the hallway let me know you were deciding to finally come into the world. What a joy to hear the lullabye over the intercom announcing your birth. Soon your mother called me to come meet you. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see you. You are truly beautiful. I won't try to describe my feelings for you or how proud I am of your loving parents. Now your mother & I have something very special in common...we both have a beautiful daughter.

December 1979

You are going to be born at UAB Hospital where your mother was born December 4, 1979. This is a picture of your mother with her nursery nurse Pam Patterson on the day she was going home from the hospital. Pam had been a student of mine at Samford University School of Nursing where I taught for 15 years. Pam still works at UAB and I'm hoping to get a picture of her with you & your mother before you go home. When you go home you may be wearing the same dress your mother has on in this picture. Your mother works as a nurse in Labor & Delivery at UAB where you will be born. The "circle of life" is amazing to me. I never dreamed Angela would live in Birmingham when she had a child, much less that she would deliver at UAB where she was working as a RN. Life is full of surprises! I've always been surprised to have a beautiful child since I'm so plain looking. But I won't be surprise that you are beautiful like your parents. Today your mom & Dad are going to visit Dr. Hoover, your OB MD. Maybe you will be born today September 15. If not, you will be here soon. What an amazing thing to think about and look forward to. During September 2011 Lyla Evelyn Rotter will be in the world!

Monday, September 12

I'm sure you're comfortable where you are. Maybe you think it's the best place there is and you're not sure there could be a better place. So I thought I would show you a picture of your parents on the day they told us you were on the way! You will be amazed at how much these two people already love you. And how much they are anticipating your arrival. The first time I saw you at Dr. Honea's office via ultrasound I dreamed about you that night. I haven't had any more "sleeping dreams" about you that I can remember, but you've been in my "awake dreams" a lot. When you decide it's time to be born, you'll find out there is a better place to be...these two wonderful people are ready & waiting to take you into their arms. You're already in their hearts!

Friday, Sept 9...almost due date

Your mother was born almost 3 weeks past her due date. You're not late yet, but maybe you're learning early that your mother is a good person to emmulate. I know she will love you as much (or maybe even more) than I love her. And that's a lot. Of course I don't know your father as well as I know your mother, but I know he already loves you a lot. If he is as good to you as he is to Sunday the dog you will be a happy girl! He is also very talented as illustrated by the details of your beautiful nursery! And he loves your mom a lot! It will be an exciting day when you decide it's time to come into the world. Any day is good...Saturday will give you a sequential birthday of 9-10-11 and of course Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the "9/11" attack on the US, a good day to celebrate life! Your sign will be a Virgo, a derivative of the word for "life". I am looking forward to seeing how beautiful you are and getting to hold my baby's baby, whatever day that may be.

Labor Day 2011-Waiting for Lyla

Today is Monday, September 5. I've realized a blog is a way to record my thoughts in a "new" way. I've kept a journal before and I still keep a calendar, but I've never tried a blog. I decided Labor Day, waiting for Lyla, was a good day to begin. Your parents came to visit January 2 and told us you were on the way! It was almost too good to be true so I tried to not let myself get too excited. But as time as passed and you have continued to grow and thrive, I have gotten more & more excited. One of the best feelings for me is to realize my daughter will realize how much I love her when she becomes the mother of a beautiful daughter. This is the week you are due and I really can't imagine what life is going be be like with a grandbaby living in the same town! There is a big group of people looking forward to holding you in this rocking chair!