Shortly after midnight, the nurse came into the room where Annie and I were doing skin-to-skin. She said it was time for us to move to postpartum. She took Annie and swaddled her nice and tight, put her into a bassinet, and we rolled across the hall and past the elevator to our new room. It was so hot in there, and she explained they keep it warm to help babies regulate their temperature. I sat my arms full of bags down and nestled into the bed, sweating profusely. I immediately picked Annie Joy back up and started singing her my favorite lullaby. Hours passed. Eventually I fell asleep with her in my arms. 

The nurse came back and suggested we feed Annie. She puked it up in what would be the start of our months-long battle with eating. In the blink of an eye, morning came, and we were greeted by the friendliest pediatrician I’ve ever met. He was so calm and reassuring, which was a blessing because I felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of having a newborn. Later, our social worker visited. I know I was tired, but I was running on sheer awe and splendor. This baby was perfect. 

Later that day we traveled back across the hall so Annie Joy could meet her birth mom. She held her and I conveyed what a beautiful gift she had given me. She told me we looked perfect together, and that gave me peace. I will forever be thankful for her brave and selfless choice. 

It was late afternoon when Malayla and Sean arrived. Watching Malayla’s eyes sparkle while she held my baby was warm and sweet. I couldn’t wait to introduce her to the rest of the world.

Our hospital stay lasted 6 days and was over the Thanksgiving holiday. Sleep was short and nights were long, but every second that brought us into these moments was worth it. Our visitors in the hospital included my parents, my brother, and Annora. Everyone was delighted at her arrival. Annie Joy has delivered her namesake since her first breath- utter joy.

I’m eternally grateful she’s mine!

I’ll tell the world, I’ll sing a song.
It’s a better place since you came along
Since you came along
Your touch is sunlight through the trees
Your kisses are the ocean breeze
Everything’s alright when you’re with me

And ahh, your my favorite thing
Ahh, all the love that you bring
Well it feels like I’ve opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
There’s a song in my heart, I feel like I belong
It’s a better place since you came along
It’s a better place since you came along

I see the whole world in your eyes
It’s like I’ve known you all my life
We just feel so right
So I pour my heart into your hands
It’s like you really understand
You love the way I am

And ahh, your my favorite thing
Ahh, all the love that you bring
Well it feels like I’ve opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
There’s a song in my heart, I feel like I belong
It’s a better place since you came along
It’s a better place since you came along

Now I’m alright
Now I’m alright
Everything’s alright

“Cause it feels like I’ve opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
There’s a song in my heart, I feel like I belong
It’s a better place since you came along
It’s a better place since you came along

-Better Place by Rachel Platten