Brooke Marie Brand

My beautiful, perfect, amazing, fiesty little niece, Brooke Marie Brand (or Brookie B as I quickly dubbed her) made her entrance into the world on Sunday, May 24 at 2:54 p.m. She weighed a whooping 7 pounds 12.5 ounces and was 21 inches long. She is absolutely precious and I think looks a lot like her mommy, though it is hard to tell at this stage in the game.

Michelle was incredibe. I have never been more impressed with someone in my life. It was such an honor to witness her strength, determination, and focus. I was in Chicago for a weekend reunion with my college roomates when Michelle went into the hospital to be induced (Saturday night). She texted me at 6:45 a.m. Sunday morning to tell me that she was 3 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and having strong, regular contrations. I quickly showered and made my way toward Lafayette. I was so excited to see my sister and completely broke down when I entered her room and she was on her side looking miserable and vomiting into a little barf bag. I cried so hard that I even made the nurse tear up. She handed me kleenex and told me that she had three sisters and knew how much I loved my sister and hated seeing her hurt.

I think Clint knew how much I wanted to be with Michelle and he very kindly chose my arrival as his chance to take a break and go get some lunch. I really appreciate him giving me some time with my sister. I don't know if she even really 100% realized I was in the room, but it was such a blessing for me to watch her. She was totally in the zone and completely focused on getting through her contractions. When Clint returned I reluctantly left the room. I hated being in the waiting room knowing what Michelle was going through just down the hall, but I tried to respect the fact that she needed her husband by her side and not me. I got one more chance to spend a couple of minutes alone with her after Clint came out to tell us she was at 5 cm and had just had her water broken.

I will let Michelle share her birth story on her blog, but from my perspective the time from 5 cm to 10 cm to Brooke's birth FLEW BY! Michelle was in a tremendous amount of pain - she could not have any pain killers, including no epidural, due to a back surgery she had 8 years ago that involved placing rods in her back - but she was such a trooper. At one point when I was in the room she did look at least in my general direction and say "please, make it stop. I can't take it anymore."

All I really know is that Clint texted me at 2:40 p.m. with the short, but sweet message "pushing." His next text arrived at 3:00 p.m. and said "Baby Brooke is here and healthy." I read the text aloud in the waiting room to the cheers and tears of Brookie B's family who had eagerly been waiting for her arrival. My mom and Carmel cheered and sobbed and my dad just nodded his head with bright tears filling his eyes. It was an awesome moment...and then chaos ensued as we all began texting and calling with the news of Brooke's birth.

I couldn't wait to get back to see my sister and my new little niece. I was very selfishly frustrated that I didn't get to spend any time alone with them. In fact, my niece is now 2.5 days old and I have probably held her for about 5 minutes total! I can say however, without question, I love that little girl like she is my own. There is just something about her. I looked in her sweet face and thought, "there's my sweet girl." She is such a blessing to her family and I agree with John (Clint's dad) when he said in the waiting room after she was born that there was no telling what adventures lay in store for our girl. I can't wait to watch her grow up and be a part of her life.

I also have to say how impressed I was with my brother-in-law. Clint is a great guy, but it is no secret I am sure that I don't think anyone is good enough for my sister (sorry Clinto). Clint definitely exceeded my wildest expectations on Sunday. I was so proud of his strength and calm. He was exactly what she needed and was there for her to support her and love her every step of her labor. I love him so much for that and will always remember the way he looked at her when she was working toward delivering his daughter.

I also have never loved my sister more. She is such a beautiful, strong, brave, AMAZING woman. And now she is a mommy, too. Welcome to the club my sissy.