Our Sweet Cherry Blossom: The Story of Her Grand Entrance (and My Wildest Ride Yet)

Okay you guys, I'm finally ready to spill all the tea on Cherry's birth! It was a whirlwind, honestly, and nothing like I expected (which, let's be real, is kinda how life goes with three girls hahah). But it was beautiful and intense and just so us. I've been wanting to share every little detail with you bc I know so many of you have been on this journey with us, and honestly, it helps me process it all too. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive into the day our sweet Cherry Blossom finally joined the party!! :,)

The Waiting Game: When You Just Know

So, leading up to Cherry's due date, I just had this *feeling*. You know? Like, with Stella and Ozzy, I had my moments of 'is this it?!' but with Cherry, it felt different. I was tired, obviously, but also just so ready to meet her. My body felt like it was doing all these little things to get ready, and I was just trying to soak up those last few days of being a family of four, even though my heart was bursting to be five. Tanner was being the best hype man, as always, making sure I was eating and resting, even when I felt like I couldn't sit still. He's seriously the best, I couldn't do any of this without him. We were doing all the things – long walks, eating spicy food (against Tanner's will but idc hahah), bouncing on the ball, just trying to encourage her to make her appearance. I was so ready to hold her in my arms.

The Day It All Began: A Little Surprise

It was a Tuesday, I think? Or maybe a Wednesday, it all blurs now hahah. I woke up feeling… different. Not intense contractions or anything, just this subtle shift. I told Tanner, 'I think today might be the day.' He just gave me that look, you know, like 'here we go again!' but also so excited. We spent the morning doing normal stuff, trying to keep the girls distracted and happy. I was timing things casually, and they were pretty sporadic, nothing consistent enough to get too excited about. But deep down, I just *knew*. I called my mom, bc she's my rock, and told her to be on standby. She raised me as a single mom, and she's just always been there for me, every step of the way. I'm so grateful for her, ngl. Having her support, even if it's just a phone call, means sm to me.

Things Got Real, Real Fast

By early afternoon, things started to pick up. Not crazy, but definitely more consistent. I was still trying to be chill, but my body was telling a different story. Tanner was setting up the birth pool (we were planning a home birth, which is a whole other story for another day, but it's what felt right for us this time!), and the girls were playing, oblivious to the fact that their baby sister was making her grand debut very soon. I remember thinking, 'this is it, this is actually happening!' The contractions started getting stronger, and I found myself needing to really focus, to breathe through them. It's such an intense feeling, your body just taking over, and you're just along for the ride. I remember looking at Tanner and just giving him a look, like 'it's go time, babe!' He just nodded, squeezed my hand, and was there, totally present. That's all I needed, honestly.

The Plan Changes: A Quick Pivot

So, we had this beautiful home birth plan, right? All cozy and calm. Well, Cherry had other plans, as babies often do! As things progressed, it became clear that maybe a hospital setting would be safer for us both. It was a tough decision in the moment, bc you get your heart set on something, but ultimately, my priority was always a safe delivery for Cherry. I remember feeling a little disappointed, like 'curse my freakin indecisiveness' for not just planning for the hospital from the start, but then I reminded myself that it's okay for plans to change. Life with kids is all about adapting, right? So, we made the call, and before I knew it, we were heading to the hospital. The car ride was… memorable, to say the least! Tanner was amazing, keeping me calm and focused, even though I know he was probably a little stressed too. He's my rock, truly.

Meeting Our Cherry Blossom: Pure Magic

Once we got to the hospital, things moved pretty quickly. The medical team was incredible, so supportive and understanding. It wasn't the calm, quiet home birth I envisioned, but it was exactly what we needed. The pain was intense, obviously, but there's this primal strength that just kicks in. I remember just focusing on my breathing, on Tanner's voice, and on the thought of meeting our baby girl. And then, there she was. Cherry. In my arms. It was like the world stopped. All the pain, all the worry, just melted away. She was so tiny, so perfect, and just… ours. I couldn't believe she was finally here. I just held her close, tears streaming down my face, and whispered 'hello, my sweet girl.' Tanner was right there, his eyes filled with tears too, just stroking her head. It was pure, unadulterated love. That moment, you guys, there's just nothing else like it. It's heaven on earth fr.

The First Hours: A New Chapter Begins

Those first few hours with Cherry were just a blur of cuddles, skin-to-skin, and just staring at her perfect little face. Stella and Ozzy came to meet her a little later, and that was another moment I'll never forget. Seeing them meet their baby sister, their faces full of wonder and excitement, it just filled my heart to bursting. They were so gentle, so loving. It's moments like those that make all the hard stuff worth it, you know? Seeing our family grow, seeing the love between them all, it's what I live for. We spent a couple of days in the hospital, just recovering and bonding. I was so tired, but also just so full of joy. Tanner was amazing, taking care of everything, making sure I was comfortable and fed. He's seriously the best partner a girl could ask for. I'm so lucky to have him.

Reflecting on the Journey: Embrace the Messy Beautiful

Looking back, Cherry's birth story is a testament to how unpredictable and beautiful life can be. It wasn't what I planned, but it was exactly what it was supposed to be. It taught me so much about trusting my body, trusting my instincts, and leaning on my incredible support system. Every birth is a journey, and every journey is unique. There's no right or wrong way for it to happen, as long as everyone is safe and healthy. I'm so incredibly grateful for the experience, for the strength I found, and most of all, for our sweet Cherry. She's just brought so much light and love into our lives. We've been waiting for you to join the party, baby girl, and we're so glad you're finally here!! :,) I love this so much. I love our little family. Thank you for letting me share this with you all. It means the world to me. Sending you all the love! ❤