October 24, 2014 was a somewhat normal day for a 38 week pregnant me. A day of sporadic contractions brought that gut feeling I was close to meeting our 4th and final child 10 days before her due date. As the contractions became more consistent and intense I began stressing that my own mother warned me not to go into labor since she was spending the weekend in San Francisco with my brother and his wife to cheer on the Giants in game 3 of the World Series against the Royals.
“Not yet precious girl” I’d whisper toward my swollen baby bump each time the tightness intensified. Josh was barely through the door after a typical Friday at the office when I shuffled he and our three kids; Tysie age 5, Kenzlie age 4 and Axten age 1, into the suburban.

“We’ve got to get to the pumpkin patch tonight babe!” Josh who’s very familiar with my spur of the moment decisions and plans didn’t seem to mind the impromptu pumpkin patch party. I may or may not have admitted that my body was in hour 4 of labor and I just knew if I didn’t get my kids to the pumpkin patch they’d forever blame baby #4 for the pumpkin-less porch and missing of the annual corn maze craziness. So off we went to partake on our traditions. Each kid picked a pumpkin mirroring their personality. Tysie’s a fun unique and adorable pumpkin with a stem swirling off to the side. Kenzlie’s picture perfect pumpkin sure to be straight off the porch of Martha Stewart with not a flaw in sight. And Axten’s pumpkin twice the size of himself so long and tall it would be near impossible to carve to the bottom. The kids all agreed Baby Brynlie needed a tiny little pumpkin for the bench and selected a mini just for her. I waddled and watched Josh pulling the wagon weighed down with 6 pumpkins, a daughter on each side of him, pony tails swinging with each skip. A curly haired Axten babbled in the back. My heart snapped a picture I would forever cherish.

 
It was time for the tractor ride when the contractions really started to kick.
“I’ll sit this one out!” I waved as Josh and the kids bounced off on the tractor ride kicking up dust from behind. I slowed my breathing, clutched the wagon and crossed one knee over the other.
Labor slowed once we headed back home and as I tucked each kid in for the night I silently worried who’d come to stay with them if Baby Brynlie wouldn’t wait until Grammie’s return. MeeMa didn’t like to drive at night and Uncle Kyle & Auntie Ary were just 15 days into their own parenting life with baby Brooklynn a mere 2 weeks old.

 
The kids went to sleep and I continued to watch the clock - timing the contractions that just wouldn’t slow. Finally at 1:30am, now October 25th, I had to call Aunt Terri & Uncle Larry. They’d get to the house in minuets and Josh would whisk me away. Contractions now just 3-4mins apart.
We were at a red light on Main Street nearing the hospital when last call must had rang out in the bars sending dozens of careless 20 something year old's into the street. As they stumbled, high-fiving, and hopped into cabs I prayed Brynlie not make her debut in the front seat of the SUV. She was ready and my body was screaming to push.

 
Once in the ER the staff ushered me toward the elevator. Josh was sent to move the car just as security became distracted by ruckus in the waiting room. The double doors shut as they hurried back and I shuffled half bent over toward the next set of double doors. LOCKED. I pushed again. No movement. Turning back only to find those doors locked as well. Stranded in the hallway my calls through the door were only magnified in volume by each painful contraction.

 
I thought surly this baby couldn’t be brought into this world by me alone stranded between to hallways. Finally the doors open and an apologetic and over worked security guard brings me to labor/delivery where Josh had beat me through a different entrance. By 2:20am and before Dr. Wiseman would arrive, sweet precious Baby Brynlie Rae had arrived with no help of meds or even a wrist band for mom. The quite capable nurses delivered flawlessly, but we’re sure to slip in a slight lecture that I had really waited too long. I knew they were right, but all was well and wonderful in the world with a perfect healthy, beautiful baby Brynlie in my arms. Hello gorgeous. Thank you for completing our family. She’s continued to surprise us and bring us unlimited laughs, love, and pure joy since.

Happy 7th Birthday to my youngest. She is fearless, feisty and endlessly funny. She loves hard and leads with grace. She’s quit witted and wild. To know her is to love her. ❤️ I love you Bennie Bee and thank the big guy upstairs for your presence.