She came into our lives Friday, August 23 @ 11:04pm, weighing 8 lbs 5 oz, and measuring 19.5 inches.
Here is her story:
That morning my contractions started at 3:45am. I woke up and started to walk around the house as each one came on I would squat and let it go. By 6:00, Tim woke up and I was getting to the point I didn't think I should work. I sent a message to my coworkers and told Tim I would stay home. He had to go in for a few hours and I said I would be okay.
But, before he left he called my mom and had her come stay with me. As the day went on the contractions got worse. By 9:00 we called Tim and told him to come home. Next thing I know your Aunt Micah and Great Nana were here, then by eleven your uncle and grandpa were here.
This whole time I never called our midwife because I was worried it was a false call again. I told everyone I was waiting until my water broke. Then around 11:00, my mom made Tim call her. She was here by one and checked to see if there was any dilation. We were at a 7! I was excited because it meant we were over halfway there.
We started to stay in the bedroom and I would have contractions on the side of the bed. Then around 2:30?... your Aunt Katie came in. She was there to help with the contractions and hold me up as I squatted with them. Later, with advice from your Great Nana and Sis. Kim we moved to the bath tub and while there we finally hit the PUSH phase.
I can't begin to tell you the way the pushing feels. The way I describe it is like a coke bottle being shook up but no way to release the pressure. I was ready to meet you but knew we had a while to go. I decided I did not want to labor in the tub and we moved to the bed.
Your dad was AMAZING. I can't tell you how blessed we are to have him on our team. He sat behind me in the bed, while those weren't working, we tried to do the two chair thing. (Great Nana's idea again). We did that... and some pressure was released ;-)
After this we noted the water bag was still not breaking. We went back to the bed in hopes that with the pressure release and position change it would help you come out. Then it came to decision time. Sis. Kim didn't think the water would break on its own. It would need to be popped. I was so determined I could do it, but the idea of releasing pressure was too great. Your Meme was on the bed beside me and said that I could do it, but Great Nana thinks it best to pop it as well. So the next contraction we popped the water bag. You sure were swimming sister! With each contraction more water came, but the pressure that was gone made each one so much easier and you were on your way down.
By this time, it seemed to hurt to labor leaning back so I decided to try it on all fours. WOW, that was the way we should have started. I remember thinking here you come... with each one I was told hold it as long as possible. In my mind I heard hold it for 17 seconds. I did. The next thing I remember was hearing your Aunt Micah say, "Push Rina, omg, come on Rina, push." That was the motivation I needed, then I heard someone saying, She has hair...She has Tim's ears." I thought I did it. I am done and can rest, then I heard Sis. Kim say, "Push one more time." I wasn't sure why but I did, then again, "Push." I did it again. Then I was being pushed to my side and you were laid on my chest.
I remember looking down at you and I only thought, this is Eddison. There is her cord. I am holding my baby. We did it. Thank you God. Then things weren't complete. We had to wait to cut the cord, your daddy was so nervous, it was amazing to see. Then you were gone and I was told it is time to push out the placenta. Eddison, I was beyond tired. I only wanted to hold you. I did not want to do anything else.
The first attempt of pushing the placenta out was not as good as we hoped. Then Jordan came and she saw I was in pain and said she wanted to pray for me. At this moment I thought I can do this. I pushed and tried and tried, but nothing seemed to move it.
After 2 hours of trying to get the placenta out Sis. Kim asked if I wanted to have her go get it. At this point I could only say yes. She went for. That pain is not something I will ever forget. It hurt so bad, I pushed Sis. Kim and said, "God and I will get this out."
I was allowed to rest for a moment and able to look at you as you were being weighed and measured. You were a little chunk and I was so excited.
Then came the time to try again. I had to sit on the toilet and as I waited there I kept thinking, God please get this out of me, I want to hold my baby. Finally out it came. The relief I felt at that moment was by far the best. I was finished. I was able to hold you.
Once they put you in my arms it hit me. I was your mommy. I am a mom. I began to cry.
Eddison Dee, no matter what happens in your life I want you to know how much I love you. How much I would do for you, how God was a part of your life before you even hit the air. I want you to know how everyone involved with your birth was there because God knew they needed to be. I want you to know that your dad was and is my hero for being able to endure and take on the challenge of helping your momma, I want you to know that had he not been there I may not have been able to do it. He was my back bone, my strength, and my comfort.

I want you to know that your Aunts being there was some of the greatest support I have ever had. I was so thankful to have them there. Your Aunt Katie even took photos. Something no one really knew I wanted. Your Aunt Micah was my motivation. I kept thinking to myself the more she says go the more I am willing to go.
Your Meme being there. Well words can't begin to express what that meant to me. She was my comfort through it all. She was able to talk to me in a sense of calm I have never known. I was able to draw peace from her and use her as a guide. She is an amazing woman. Your Great Nana - although she stayed mostly in the hall - was my spiritual presence. It was as though when I felt I needed something she was able to read my mind and it took place. Your Great Nana is a woman who can move mountains with her faith and I know the whole time she was praying for you.
Sis. Kim Retherford was there to assist in the best of ways. She remained calm and fasted the whole time. There were moments when I heard her pray so quietly that it reminded me of why I chose her, why I was in our bedroom, and why I wanted to have you naturally. She has no idea the impact she had on me. I am so thankful. Jack, and Pape were there to...I don't have a word for it. They may not have been in the room through it all, or they may not have been there the whole time, but the simple thought of knowing they were there, knowing they were in the next room kept me going. It was as though I was doing it for them.
Jordan was there for the tail end as a way to give me the last push. I am truly thankful she was able to be a part of it. I know God sent her at that moment to give me the last push. I know she was there for a reason.
In all, Eddison you are loved beyond words. I love you so much my child. Grow strong, faithful, healthy, and filled with blessings.
Welcome home.

















