Best Birthday Ever--Rich

On January 15th I turned 34. It was not a typical birthday. I only slept for about 2 hours. I was tired and worried almost all day. I had to leave home (on the 14th) on short notice. My wife didn’t have a chance to wrap any of my gifts. I was definitely not the center of everyone’s attention. Despite all this it was my best birthday ever.

As most of you probably know our first child Ava was born January 15th 2009 at 12:25 A.M. Kimberly her birth mom had toxemia and needed to be induced. Lisa and I were given the privilege of being present for her delivery. She called us as soon as she knew she was going to be induced on January 14th. We arrived at the hospital in American Fork UT about 8 hours after she called. That gave us time to meet some of Kim’s friends and family. Kim was so strong she waited for over four hours before she got the epidural. Her delivery went without any complications. I was given the honor of cutting the umbilical cord. Ava’s Apgar score was 8 and then a 9. They were worried that she was struggling some to breathe. She was taken to the nursery quickly and given an IV. That was an intense time. It was around 1 A.M. and we were watching Ava get an IV through the window while worrying about how Kim was doing up stairs. Everyone was healthy and happy in the end.

Lisa and I spent most of the next 24 hours at Kim’s side with Ava. We were able to see the many people who love Kim and Ava. Kim hardly had a minute of her own to relax that day. I was worried about her being overwhelmed with all the visitors and all trauma of the day. It was also Kim’s birthday on the 15th.

I am so grateful for the wonderful day that I had. I experienced many different emotions. The theme of the day was love. I could see the love that Kim has for Ava. I could see the love that Kim’s family has for her and Ava. I could feel the love that we have for Ava and Kim. The Love that I have for Lisa has never been greater.

Thank you Kim. I will never be able to repay you for placing this beautiful daughter of God in our arms. I think the best way to show my appreciation will be to Love her and let her know of the great love that Kim has for her.