The epilogue.

Postpartum…

On February 28, 2019 at 8:13am, a family of 3 officially became a family of 4.

On February 28, 2019 at 8:13am, collective breath was exhaled as an 8lb, 10oz baby made her entrance into the world- beautiful, strong, and healthy.

On February 28, 2019 at 8:13am, two worlds collided in the very best way when Caroline Hope was born.

On February 28, 2019 at 8:13am, so many lives became intertwined, and will remain so…Forever.

For two nights and three days after she was born, we lived lived in what simply felt like a magical fairy tale, a summer camp of sorts, where we had the best visitors and all activity surrounded this beautiful little human. Photos were taken, tears were shed, promises were made for a shared future. What seemed like an eternity left to enjoy while in the hospital quickly drew to an end. And just like that, amidst more tears, the time came for them to leave. It was the most perfect, inevitable conclusion to this chapter of our journey together, an ending that was written long before our story began.

So I did what I set out to do almost two years ago. I said ‘goodbye’.  For the first time in almost 39 weeks, I was alone. I was so fortunate to see these people- who I adore in more ways than I could ever express in a blog post- become parents to the baby girl of their dreams. I cannot explain how much my heart soared to see them hold her, to know that even though it is bittersweet to pass the torch of caring for her on to them, the torch couldn’t be going to better, more deserving people. I will love these folks forever, and not one moment less. And after 29 weeks together in this story, I thank you for staying tuned while my family grew another…