Everything about your arrival was smooth, until we found out that it wasn't. It's a good thing that even though your mommy types this from her hospital bed, she couldn't google "face presentation" while 10 centimeters dilated. It's something that your nurses had seen only once in their combined 30+ years of nursing. It's also why your doctor is my new hero. Coincidentally, her name is Stella, just like your grandmother's sister, from where your name came.
The doctor and the nurses warned me that after all the maneuvering, even if they opted to use the emergency surgery room they had waiting for us, you would likely be very bruised and swollen from your position. We were very very worried about what this would mean.
This is when Dr. Stella brought you to me to show me that even with your bruises, you were still perfect.
Indeed you are.
It was confirmed by your big sister, who will continue to confirm new things for you every day.
It was confirmed by your grandmother Emilu, who also shared her name with you.
Confirmed by your Mimi and Paw Paw, who were sweet enough to forgive daddy for posting pictures to facebook before walking out to the waiting room.
Confirmed by your immediate induction as the newest cousin...
Confirmed by your great grandmother who couldn't be with us today, but wrapped you in her handmade creativity.
Confirmed by your daddy who got less sleep than mommy and who is also mommy's hero for being so calm and reassuring through every step of your delivery.
And who you later confused for, well, mommy.
Confirmed by Aunt Becca who stepped behind the camera to be mommy's eyes and legs.
So indeed, perfect girl, this is the beginning of your story. And it's quite a beginning - not just because of the unique way you came to us - but because you are loved.
You are my daughter. You are a sister. A grand daughter. A great grand daughter. A cousin. A niece. Someday you will be a friend. A neighbor. A student. A citizen. God willing, a mother and a grandmother too.
If there's anything I've learned from love, it's that we never walk alone. With the rise and fall of every detail of your life, you add to the story of those who you touch - every blessed triumph, every shared sorrow, and the life that happens in between.
Know that in your story you are loved. Know that in your story you are wanted. Know that I'm glad beyond mere words that you are part of mine.
Welcome to the world Stella. Welcome to our hearts. And welcome to our stories.
Love,
Mommy
Special thank you to your Aunt Becca and Daddy who helped mommy capture some of these incredibly special moments of your life.
