🌸 Welcome to the World, Adelynn Jae Wayman 🌸
The Wait
Sweet little girl, we have all been waiting for what felt like forever for you to come! Your mom (and dad) were absolute rockstars through the whole experience. Your mama carried you with such grace and strength—watching her go through pregnancy was a beautiful thing.
We all made guesses about when you’d arrive. I thought you might come a little early. Your mom and dad were hoping for your due date—April 20th—because your mom has a thing for even numbers. Aunt Tyleigh guessed April 18th, Aunt Carsyn said the 17th, and Grandpa guessed April 22nd. We actually thought Grandpa might win when your mom started bleeding on the night of the 21st, and the doctor sent her to the hospital. If you didn’t come on your own, the plan was to induce labor on the 22nd. Grandpa’s a smart guy!
But the hospital wasn’t quite ready for you yet. They sent your mom home and told her to call in the morning. On the 22nd, there were no available beds in labor and delivery, so your poor mama was told she’d have to wait until the 24th. She and your daddy tried everything to get you to come early—but you were cozy and content where you were!
It’s Baby Day!
On the morning of April 24th, your mom came up to Grandpa’s and my room and told us, “It’s baby day!” We were so excited to finally meet you!
Your sweet mom and dad invited me to be part of your birth. It was the greatest honor of my life. I told them to get settled at the hospital and to call me when they were ready for me to come.
They left early that morning, and I waited anxiously for updates. Your dad kept us in the loop—he was calm and steady through everything. When the nurses tried to start an IV in your mom’s hand, she had a vasovagal response, which means she passed out and got really sick (and threw up all over herself - including in her hair. Luckily the doctor let her shower). That scared everyone, including you—it caused your little heart rate to dip. The team had to wait until both you and your mom were stable before continuing.
Eventually, the nurses broke your mom’s water and saw meconium—an early sign that you were overdue and may have swallowed a bit, so everyone became even more watchful, but not overly worried.
A Long Night
At 12:30 PM on the 24th, your dad texted me: It’s time to come! I grabbed some lunch for him, then drove—quickly but safely—to the hospital. When I arrived, your mom had just gotten her epidural. The nurse told us that you’d likely arrive by 8:00 that night!
We watched the monitor for hours, fascinated by every movement—your heartbeat, your mom’s contractions. It was almost more exciting than TV!
As the night wore on, your mom’s epidural wasn't working on her right side. Even in pain, she fought through each contraction with incredible strength. By 10:00 PM, she was exhausted. Still, she wasn’t ready to give up—she was determined to get you here. Just before midnight, the pain became unbearable. The anesthesiologist returned and re-did the epidural, finally giving her some relief. She rested, and so did your daddy and I, hoping it would be just what her body needed to finish the job.
Waiting for You
After nearly 24 hours of labor, the doctor came to check progress. There was none. Your mom was still only dilated to a 5. Your mama was devastated—we all were. The nurses kept trying. They moved her from side to side, placed her in different positions, did everything they could to help your little body drop lower.
Nothing worked.
Later we learned your little head was turned in such a way that made it impossible for you to descend. After 28 hours, your mama—completely worn out and emotionally spent—made the brave decision to ask for a C-section. It was such a hard moment, but we all knew it was the right call.
The nurses prepped your mom, and your daddy suited up in a funny hospital outfit. Grandpa came to be with us while we waited. Your mom was weak from not eating, sick during surgery, and still so incredibly strong.
Hello, Adelynn!
At 1:17 PM on April 25th, you were born.
But you weren’t breathing on your own.
The nurses quickly helped you take your first breath and rushed you to the NICU. Your dad went with you, staying calm and brave, even though I know his heart was racing.
Grandpa and I got to hear your first cry. It was music to our ears. All the emotion we had been holding back erupted with that tiny noise that came from you. We were so overjoyed to hear your little voice!
Your mom was brought to her recovery room, shaking like crazy and not feeling well at all. We told your dad to stay with you while we cared for her. A little while later, he FaceTimed us from the NICU—and we all cried when we saw your sweet face. You are absolutely beautiful. 10 tiny fingers, 10 tiny toes, the cutest little button nose, and beautiful strawberry blonde hair.
Aunt Carsyn came to support your mommy too, and even helped her smile in spite of how crummy she felt! We waited patiently to meet you, but the nurse said you didn't feel good enough quite yet. Though we were sad we couldn’t hold you right away, all we wanted was for you to be safe and strong enough to come home.
Meeting You
After a few days in the NICU, the nurse finally said we could meet you. Your daddy called us, and Grandpa and I drove to the hospital.
I got to go in first.
Seeing your mom holding you was one of the proudest, most emotional moments of my life. You had angels all around you—I could feel their presence and love for you. You are so special.
You still had tubes and wires, so only your mommy and daddy could hold you at first, which was perfect. When we finally got our turn, it felt like time stood still. Holding you was like holding a piece of heaven.
Becoming a Grandma
Watching my daughter—your mommy—become a mother filled me with a kind of emotion I can’t quite describe. Pride. Gratitude. Wonder. All of it.
I always imagined that becoming a grandma would be special, but I had no idea just how deeply it would change me. My world has gently tilted. My phone is already full of pictures of you. I think about all the milestones to come, and I just can’t wait.
Being a grandma is different than being a parent. People say it’s the reward for surviving parenthood—and maybe that’s true. But for me, it’s even more than that. Becoming a grandma didn’t just add a new person to my life.
It expanded who I am.
My heart feels bigger. Fuller. Softer.
You, Adelynn Jae, are a gift. I love you with all my heart.
