the night before…

Our lives are going to change tomorrow. There’s no way around it. We’re checking into the hospital at 5:30 tomorrow morning and the induction begins at 6:30. I have no idea how quickly things will progress or how long they expect it to take. It could be a long day or a short day. I hope to be able to keep everyone informed via Twitter (if you don’t already follow me, just click on the Twitter button on the right sidebar) and do a couple of blog posts as the day moves along.

More than anything, we’re praying for a safe delivery for Baby Boy and for me. I’m praying that Todd will be calm and comfortable and that any anxiety he is experiencing will melt away. I’m praying for both sets of grandparents that they will be the rocks we need them to be and the perfect examples of unconditional love for our precious son. I’m praying that our son will arrive perfectly and healthy and that he will grow up to love Jesus. We pray that he will have great relationships with our parents and our friends and that he will constantly be surrounded by love.

This is probably the most sentimental pregnancy post I’ve written, right?

I’m sitting here trying to come up with an idea in my mind of what exactly is about to happen, but I honestly have no idea. I know a general rundown of tomorrow, but I don’t know what the pain will feel like. I don’t know how the epidural will feel. I don’t know much. I don’t know if this boy will be too big for me to push out and if I’ll end up with a c-section. But while I don’t know the answers, I don’t care. I can’t tell you what’s about to happen, but I can tell you what it feels like to look back.

When I got married a year ago I got really emotional because I felt like I really had to grow up. There was a huge mix of happiness and sadness that came with that. Today, as I sit and think about my life up to this point, a few things come to mind:

  • What did my parents feel like the day they drove to the hospital to have me? Were they scared? Excited?
  • Our little house in Baton Rouge. I spent so many great years there. My dad taught me to ride a bike there. Santa Claus brought us our dachshund puppy there. Singing songs with my mom.
  • The day my brother was born. I was a jealous older sister, but I can’t imagine my life without my perfect sibling– the person who will be there with me to the end.
  • The day I graduated from high school and moved back to Louisiana by myself. I was so excited, but still so sad to leave my family.
  • The day I graduated from college and the summer I spent backpacking through Europe with one of my besties. I can’t imagine what my parents felt like sending me over there by myself for so long with just a backpack and a train ticket.
  • The day I graduated from graduate school and started my first real job. I was supposed to be “grown up” then, but I totally wasn’t.
  • The day I met Todd. I knew immediately that I was meeting my husband the father of my future children and now here we are… (excuse me, I’m crying while I type this…)
  • I’m thinking now about our parents and how grateful I am to them for all they’ve given us and taught us about love. I hope with all of heart that we can make the impact on this child that they’ve made on us.
  • And finally, just as my Dad (Poppie) started praying on the day I was born for my future husband, I’m praying for another family. Another family somewhere who will raise a young woman and she will become Baby Boy’s wife and the mother of his children.

I’m sorry to have gotten so sentimental, but I know that I will have to really grow up tomorrow. I will be completely responsible for another life (with Todd’s amazing help, of course) and I don’t want these nostalgic feelings to disappear because of stress and busy-ness.

I appreciate all of you so much. My real life friends, my family, my fantastic blog friends (that I can’t even imagine not knowing now), and anyone who just stops by to check in. Thank you for cheering us on. I’ll keep you all posted!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Comments

  1. says

    Erin, you have all my best wishes and earnest prayers as you and Todd begin your grand adventure tomorrow. I am just as scared/nervous/excited facing the birth of our own baby boy in about 5 weeks. So, you can imagine how very much you are on my heart tonight and will be tomorrow. May the Lord be with you and bless you all!

  2. says

    What a wonderful post, it is so great that you have this written down and that someday your little boy will be able to read about exactly what his mom was feeling on the night before he was born. Good luck tomorrow, I will be thinking about you and your family!

  3. says

    Ohmygoodness! I have been following your blog for awhile now but I don’t know if I ever actually commented, but I just had to tonight! 🙂 I am so excited for you for tomorrow! Your post just brought tears to my eyes. I know you both will be such wonderful parents!

    Justines last blog post: Oh poor kitty!

  4. says

    Awww! You made me tear up a little. You’re going to be a wonderful mother! Saying a prayer for you and your family.

    I never log into twitter at work, but I just might have to tomorrow!

    Rachels last blog post: I survived

  5. says

    aw, Erin. You are the cutest. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow sending positive vibes down south. You are going to be a great mommy. You might even need to re-read this post on the tough days ahead, huh? Much love and good luck!

    julias last blog post: Chicago, continued.

  6. Lynn W. says

    Hi Erin..I will be praying for you tomorrow. (I’m glad you got my book recommendations for ‘baby’ reading that I emailed you..thank you for the sweet email back!)..I will be checking twitter to see how things are going. I know you will have a tough time sleeping tonight.. believe me..you are about to begin an awesome, amazing adventure. My best day, best thing I have ever done or will do is my 4 kiddos.. I LOVE THEM SO INTENSELY..and time flew by so fast! Take in the breath-takers of every minute.. they are there.. sometimes very obvious, sometimes you have to just be aware of them.. ENJOY! and Keep the Lord first..

    Lynn

  7. says

    Congrats!!!! Lots of luck and happiness tommorow. I love your blog. Thank you for sharing this journey with us! I hope the day my husband and I decide we are ready to have a baby it is as beautiful and as these past few months have been for you! Can’t wait to hear all about your little one!

  8. jessica says

    Love Todd. Love this little boy. It really is that simple. It is the weirdest thing that when this baby is born you will never ever be able to imagine one more second without him. Im praying for you on what will be the most fantastic day of your life!

  9. says

    Congratulations! You are going to have such an amazing day tomorrow. I love how heartfelt and true this post is. You brought tears to my eyes too. Sending prayers out for you all tomorrow.

  10. says

    oh honey! this is so sweet.. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this.. You will be on so many minds and hearts tomorrow! I’ll be praying for you and I can’t wait to meet your little man!!

    Megss last blog post: Lola’s "Two Old"

  11. The Waspy Redhead says

    Beautifully written! I’m so far from ready for this in my life, but I’m so happy to follow along with yours! Good luck!

  12. says

    Omg! I am in tears!!! What an awesome post! You will do great tomorrow and you will both be wonderful parents! Your world is about to change…but only for the better…and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without babyboy!

  13. says

    I am crying! HAHA.

    I am so excited for you and Todd. This is such an amazing gift from God, and you are going to be such wonderful parents. There is so much love in your words, and I just know God has so much in store for your family.

    I love you, darlin’, and I hope it goes well!

    Mrs. Newlyweds last blog post: the winner and some housekeeping

  14. says

    Lovely post. Good luck tomorrow, you will do great! The epidural is a peice of cake, so don’t worry about it. Just make sure to lean on your friends and family after your beautiful boy is here, you’ll be exhausted.

  15. says

    What a beautiful post. You are going to be an incredible mom. I will be praying for you, Todd and your little boy tomorrow.best of luck!!!

    KLCs last blog post: Buzzed!

  16. says

    awww erin i am so happy for you guys!!! you are going to do amazing tomorrow, however it happens! so beautiful and you’re so right, your world is only going to get better and better with every single little stage! Praise God for your sweet little miracle already, I’ll be praying for all of you!!!! can’t wait to meet him!!

  17. says

    I totally have tears in my eyes! You and Todd will be wonderful parents I know. I understand the sentiment you’re feeling. I felt the same way in the days leading to our wedding. I’ve so enjoyed following you on this journey as your “blog friend.”. I’ll be praying for you – God is in control!

    Annas last blog post: Hair makeover?

  18. A Walk with the Marshalls says

    We love you Erin! That was so beautiful – thank you so much for sharing! I feel so blessed to be able to share this journey with you! We can’t wait to meet your little guy! I’ll be thinking about you all day tomorrow!!!!!!

  19. Julie says

    Erin,
    I’ll be praying for you & Baby, as well as the rest of your family. Tomorrow will be the most incredible day of your life!! I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible!!

  20. Catherine says

    e, i love you so much. i have cried so much in the last 3 days i honestly didn’t think i had any more tears left. apparently i do! you made me cry. it’s funny, monday, i got on an REM kick, “man on the moon”, yesterday, while coming home from the dr. “don’t stop believing” today, i got in the car and what was on the radio? “mr. brightside”…each of these songs bringing me back to a special time with my special friend. thinking about silver jeans, prince, captain d’s, to naps in the bed while watching SATC. i feel that a chapter in our lives is over but another is soon to begin. myself, and the other boss auntie couldn’t be more happy and excited for our sister. you are so special. i don’t know what i’d do without you. GEEZ–i’m emotional tonight too! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, E! i am filled with anxiety and happiness for you tonight, and through the upcoming hours. call me for ANYTHING!

  21. says

    Such an amazing post, thank you for sharing all of these thoughts with us, and for sharing this whole journey. I have loved following you throughout this time! Can’t wait to see baby boy! I will be praying for you!

  22. says

    I am so excited for you!!! I’ll be praying extra hard for you all and keeping close watch on Twitter for the exciting news. XOXO

  23. says

    I think this is one of the sweetest posts I’ve ever read! It made me a little teary eyed. You are going to do amazing!! You have such a great support system surrounding you, not to mention the Lord himself 🙂 I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, Todd and BBC! He is so blessed to be born into your family.

    Prayers to you and your baby boy 🙂

    Brown Eyed Girl and Beaus last blog post: It’s like butta…

  24. says

    This is a beautiful post. It will be so neat for your baby boy to read this in the years to come. And it is so true. You do begin praying for your child’s future – spouse, everything – the minute he/she enters this wonderful world. Will be thinking about you and Todd tomorrow. What a wonderful blessing and such an exciting day. xoxo

    Preppy 101s last blog post: T.J. Maxx, To Do, and New Sofas

  25. says

    I cannot properly put into words just how excited I am for you!! I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes thinking about how lucky I am to have met you even though we’ve never actually met. Going through this journey with you has allowed me to semi-experience a pregnancy and given I’ve never had the joy of being pregnant, I can’t thank you enough!

    You are a true blessing to us all and we’re all praying for you, Todd, Baby Boy, and your entire family!!!

    p.s. I’ve resisted the Twitter urge until tonight. The thought of hearing about things in “Twitter time” had me quickly clicking on the “sign up” button but I couldn’t come up with a name that wasn’t taken so I guess I’ll have to wait for the blog posts 🙁

    cyndis last blog post: photo love {alec & t. photography}

  26. says

    OK – that last one really got to me. What a sweet, sweet prayer! Best to you and yours tomorrow! I delivered my first when I was still working at USC – 5 1/2 years ago today!
    Enjoy that sweet little boy, take care of you, and TRY to sleep when he sleeps (2 babies later, I still haven’t figured out how to do that, but maybe you will)!

    RLRs last blog post: Kids in the Kitchen

  27. says

    That was beautiful. I know that end of this experience will be the most beautiful part, when you have the little blessing in your hands. Get some rest. You are going to need it.

    danas last blog post: Word Wednesday

  28. says

    What a special post. I remember the day I went in to be induced. I remember the ride there, the anxiety I felt and how nervous my husband was. It’s a crazy feeling, knowing that you’re going as two, and coming back as three – as a real, true family. I’ll be thinking of you and checking Twitter all day and can’t wait to see the first pics of the little guy! Get as much sleep as you can now, while you can and once the baby comes, take help and take naps. That’s the only advice I’ll give you cause it’s the best I think. Without sleep, everything else is alot tougher that it really is. Love ya!

  29. says

    I think we should ALL write posts just like this right before we have a baby. What a beautiful thing to look back on. I particularly love wjere you mentioned the other family who is raising a child that will one day become Baby Boy’s future spouse…almost spooky to think of it!

    Ruby Slipperss last blog post: I ♥ Faces Pet Photo Challenge

  30. says

    Congrats and best of luck to you! I will be watching for messages on Twitter today and I hope everything goes smoothly! I can’t wait to see pics of your baby boy (if you decide to share some of course!)

  31. says

    Oh honey…I am so ridiculously happy for you and for Todd. This is such a wonderful post and literally brought tears to my eyes….

    You two will be just fantastic parents and your little boy is extremely lucky to have both of you.

    Good luck! Matt and I are sending you both lots of love and prayers for today!

    Jennys last blog post: Another Year!

  32. kelley says

    As I am writing this, you will already be at the hospital and have begun the process. I am praying for you and your expanding family. You will both be amazing parents and I can’t wait to see pictures of that handsome baby boy!

  33. says

    Such a sweet and amazing post Erin!! You and Todd will be the best parents and with God’s guidance Baby Boy will grow up to be one amazing man!! Thinking about and praying for you sweet friend! Love and hugs your way!

  34. Kelly V says

    What a beautiful and touching post. I follow your blog constantly on reader, and today had to click over to wish you and Tood luck, love, health, and happiness. I am sure you will be an amazing family, and this baby boy is coming into more love and caring and faith than anyone could ever hope for. We’ll all be praying for you, good luck and we cant wait for updates!!

  35. says

    I haven’t been following for long but just had to comment on this post! You’re going into an unknown but from the way you sound you’re at an awesome place. I remember going into my induction feeling nervous just b/c of the unknown. It’s one of the largest changes you’ll ever experience but the absolute most rewarding!! My little one will be 2 in August and I still look at him and just think “WOW! I brought this little guy into this world!” 🙂 Good luck!!!

  36. says

    Aww, Erin! That was such a beautiful post!! 🙂 I’m sitting here at my desk just sobbing…I should have made time to check this before work when I emailed you! 😉 haha! I love your attitude about today and not worrying about all the details, it will happen and everything is going to be just fine for you all! So many of the thoughts you put in this post remind me of things that flashed through my mind before we had our sweet boy. Life before him is a blur at times, as I cannot even imagine our lives without him. Best of luck today as you prepare for baby boy Carroll to make his big debut to the world! Praying for you all!

    ((HUGS))
    Krissy 🙂

  37. Ann says

    Such a beautiful post. I had the same, exact feelings when I got married 5 months ago. My thoughts are with you today!

  38. Katie says

    I’m so excited for you =) What a beautiful day to have a baby! I’ll br praying for you that everything goes smoothly!

  39. says

    Aww…this is so sweet! You are going to be a great mom! In the meantime, my prayers to you that you and baby have a smooth delivery!

  40. says

    Well I am bawling crying now! What a beautiful post Erin! So honest and true! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! I feel soo blessed to have u in my life! I was telling Ryan all about you and Todd this morning and the arrival or your new little one and we were talking about how we wished we lived closer so we could come and seee you at the hospital! We love you guys and praying for a safe delivery and healthy momma and baby!

    emilys last blog post: Happy 31st Mom and Dad

  41. BroncoMom says

    This is the BEST post I have ever read from you BEB and now MOM! I have chills and tears streaming down my face. Holding your precious son in your arms for the very first time will confirm what you already know – Our Heavenly Father is so good and how blessed we are for the gift of new life!!!
    Congrats to you and your family.

  42. says

    I have been reading your blog for a little while but I don’t know if I ever left a comment. After reading your wonderful post tonight I just wanted to say that I am wishing you and baby boy a smooth delivery!

  43. Mollie says

    Sending warm wishes your way! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and decided that this would be a good time to leave my first comment. Thank you for giving us all a glimpse of your journey thorugh pregnancy. Can’t wait to see pictures of baby boy. Stay strong, the reward is well worth the wait and hard work:-)

  44. Sue says

    Hi Erin – I’m Cyndi’s mom (Southern Daze). I was so excited to see on her blog that today is your big day. Congratulations…..I will be praying for all of the same things today that you are. God Bless you and your new little one.

  45. Seaside Prep says

    Been thinking about you, your husband and your precious baby all day! Wishing you the best of luck and praying for a safe delivery and healthy family! 🙂

  46. Sarah says

    Just beautiful.
    You are just fabulous, Erin.

    Please know we are think of and praying for you, Todd and baby!

    Just saw you update-hold on sweetie, it’s worth the wait!

  47. Cas says

    Such a beautiful post. Sending prayers your way for a wonderful delivery. Can’t wait to see the (big) little guy!

  48. says

    Praying for you and Baby Boy! I am tearing up reading this and can completely relate to all those sentimental thoughts flooding up on a momentous occasion such as this!

  49. Chloé says

    Congratulations Erin!Hudson is beautiful :)I’ m so happy that everything went ok.You and Todd must be very proud to have such a cute boy!

  50. Melissa says

    Congratulations! I just saw the name, that is my son’s name! He will be a year old at the end of the month. I love it that it’s unusual. I hope it doesn’t gain any popularity.

  51. Emily says

    Erin, congratulations to you and Todd! I know y’all are so excited! I absolutely LOVE the name, as I’m sure your dad does! A big hug to you all and lots of love!

  52. says

    YAYAYAYYAYAY. Happy Birthday Hudson!!! I cried this morning when I got your call!! I love you so much and am so so so excited for you. Once life settles down I am treating you to a message! You deserve it!

  53. Ronda Blackburn says

    Never commented before….but just want to same congrats!!! Such a BIG boy….love the name….spoil him rotten before it’s too late!!! Hugs and kisses to mom and baby!!!

  54. Wacie's Way says

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Reading your post took me back to the night before we were to check into the hospital at 6:30 am. My daughter was breached so we had a scheduled C-section. Gosh, I can’t believe that’s been almost 13 years ago – AAGGHH!!!! Enjoy the moments and take lots of pictures!!! The best of everything to you and your new little family!!

  55. says

    A beautiful post filled with emotion. You’ll be a great mother!

    The epidural isn’t bad. I’ve had one before. You’re going to be embarking on the journey of your life tomorrow(technically today since I didn’t see this post)! Savor every moment.

  56. says

    This is such a beautiful post. Even though I am far away from this stage in life, I can imagine it nearing soon, and can completely imagine feeling this way too. So many unknowns, and really feeling like a grown-up. Just from reading your blog, I feel that you will be a wonderful, thoughtful, and fun mom for any child to have. Best wishes!!!

    Life Abroads last blog post: Dutch Food Meme

  57. says

    What a beautiful post Erin! I am SO excited that Hudson has arrived and you are both doing well. He is SO incredibly blessed to have been born to such a beautiful, God loving mother and father. I hope you have a wonderful next few days and that no one has any trouble adjusting! Keep us updated and CONGRATULATIONS to the Carrol family!!

  58. Kaiti McCormack says

    Hi Erin! I’m Todd’s cousin Kaiti…well your cousin too 🙂 I just wanted to say congrats! I know that down here in Missouri we have been anxiously awaiting that day. We are all praying for you. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you that my mom can’t wait to see the pictures 🙂 She would kill me if I forgot that. But I hope all is well! Let us know how everything goes!

  59. says

    Wow. Sitting here @ my desk with tears in my eyes. I absolutely love that your dad prayed for your future husband. Where would we be without our parents/guardians? Wishing you all the best as you start navigating the waters of new motherhood.

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply to shannon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *