My Baby Girl

Everleigh Joy Benson

*Ashley's POV*

"One more push!" the doctor urges. I scream in pain, and push as hard as I can. Then I fall back against the hospital bed.

"I can't do this!" I sob. My whole body is soaked with sweat.

"Yes you can Ashley, you're doing great." the nurse coaxes, squeezing my hand tight. Another nurse walks over with a damp cloth, and wipes my sweaty brow.

"Lets try this again." The doctor says. "You can do it."

I take a deep breath before giving another push. The excruciating pain is now more unbearable then ever. Tears roll down my sweaty cheeks. I let out a blood curdling cry.

"You're doing great!" the doctor reassures me. "I can see a head!"

I push with all my strength. I squeeze my eyes shut, and scream and sob in pain. Soon my own cries are replaced with tiny little cries that echo through the room.

The doctor holds up a tiny squirming baby covered in blood, and grins from ear to ear.

"Congratulations!" he says. "You have a healthy baby girl!"

I cry tears of joy and relief. The doctor hands my screaming baby to a nurse, who quickly disappears into the hall. The doctor pats my shoulder.

"Great job Ashley, you did great!"

About ten different nurses all huddle around me, wiping my head with the cool wet cloth, and rubbing my shoulders. I'm still in immense pain from giving birth, but I'm so relieved that it's over.

After my baby girl was weighed, a nurse placed her gently on my chest. I stare in awe at my beautiful baby girl.

"Everleigh Joy, welcome to the world." I whisper to the little bundle of joy that lays on my chest. I kiss her soft fuzzy head, and make myself a promise that I'm going to be the best mommy I can to Everleigh, because she's my baby girl.