It all started on the night of May 13th 2010. We checked into the hospital (I say this like it was a hotel, because that's kinda what it felt like!) at 5:00pm as planned. The room was nice and very spacious. They started an IV and began monitoring the baby's heart rate and my contractions. I wasn't allowed to eat anything after 1pm, which was probably the worst part of labor. haha. It wouldn't have been that bad if they started the gel cervix softener at 5:00 like they said they would. The doctor got called on an emergency so we had to wait until about 8:00, and I was freaking out because I wasn't going to be able to eat anything for at least 2 hours after they inserted the gel. (remember I haven't been fasting for 9 months-I wasn't used to this! I was starving!) I know I am a wuss! Well lucky for me the Doctor came and checked me and I was still only at a 2 and 30% effaced, but she thought my cervix was fairly soft, and I was actually having contractions every 10 min. already. (which I couldn't feel at all) So she decided to forgo the gel and just start me on pitocin at midnight.
So Erik and I were left to watch Survivor, perfect timing doctor. Then the Nurse gave me a sleeping pill to help me sleep through the night. Well, I don't know if it was excitement or what but I could NOT sleep. Neither could Erik so we just played cards and watched some t.v. It was a lot of fun! lol. Then they came in and started me on pitocin at 12. And I was finally able to sleep for a few hours. Then I started to get kind of uncomfortable and having some light contractions around 4ish. I was pretty tired but half thought I should stick it out and see what labor "really felt like" then I thought better and just decided to have them give me an epidural. I love that they just gave it to me- no questions! lol. I was still just a 2! So the part I feared more than anything came- the Epidural. I was crying and was pretty scared but It really wasn't a big deal at all. I obviously immediately felt better and was able to sleep again for a few more hours. My nurses kept commenting on what a good epidural it was, I couldn't' feel a thing! It was definitely doing it's job, which I was very grateful for.
At 7:30 Am my Doctor showed up to break my water. I was a 3 at that point and 50% effaced. We then spent the morning sleeping some more and watching t.v. The nurse or Doctor (I can't remember now) came back to check me at 10:30 and I was dilated to an 8 and 90% effaced. Almost there! Yay! My body had really kicked it into gear since they broke my water, which was awesome. The Doctor told me she would be there around noon to deliver my baby. Sure enough at 12:30 she showed up and I was a 10. And by that point I could feel that the baby had dropped pretty far. The doctor said that it wouldn't take long at all before this baby was out!
So they started setting everything up to deliver. I thought this part was going to be a lot more chaotic and a lot more people in the room and I don't know, just wild. But it was pretty chill. It was just my doctor 2 nurses and Erik. Erik held one of my legs and a nurse held another(sorry if tmi), I pushed and pushed. Which I was really worried about knowing how to do correctly, but it just came pretty naturally. It was really tiring, I can't imagine having to do that for hours! But with breaks to breath it was very doable. I pushed for about 30 min. and then she was out at 1:09 pm on Friday May 14th. OH that moment keeps re-playing in my head, Erik and the Doctor's just encouraging me and saying "she's so close, one more push!" and I gave it my all and then they held up my squirming, naked, baby girl. They quickly let me hold her, and the waterworks started for both me and Erik. ohh I am not sure I can put into words the feelings of that moment. It was so beautiful and pure happiness! I just immediately felt so much love towards her. She looked perfect to me. It was amazing.
Nursing has been going fairly well also. A few frustrations I will not go into detail on here, but over all better then expected. The recovery has also been MUCH better than expected. I guess I should thank all you mothers who scared me with your horror stories. SO that has gone well...granted I have been pumping myself with pain killers! lol. (that might be helping) Adjusting to having a baby so far has not been too hard. Because she is still really sleepy and giving me enough sleep and I have my awesome Momma here. I don't know what I will do when she leaves...besides ball my eyes out! She has been so helpful and has just known what to do in every little situation. I literally could NOT have done this with out her.
Here is just a sneek peek of the photo session we had on Friday. I can't wait for more! Danielle does such an awesome job! Lucy did great as well, staying asleep for over an hour even as we moved her around in strange positions. She did manage to pee on daddy's arm once. haha! I'm so excited for these pictures, I think we got some real good ones!
Dressing up my little baby doll! I LOVE picking out her outfit, finding a matching bow, and doing a daily photo shoot! I am just so in love with this precious baby girl. She is such a good baby too. She is eating really well and if we would let her I am pretty sure she would be sleeping through the night. I promise I will eventually get my birth story up...I'm sorry, I'm too busy enjoying my baby girl!
Meeting Brett and Lisa's family-they are the best, thanks guys for coming!!!
Her first bow experience. lol
Her "going home" outfit. Erik picked it out. He say's it's perfect because she is his little may flower! ahhh. (don't tell him I told you that!) I love the hiked up shorts! haha!
Look at that faux hawk!!! woahh! Rock it Lucy! btw- she is 21 inches long.
sick of picture session
she LOVED her car seat! And I LOVE those cheeks!!
Eyes open!! Yay!!
trying out the swing! I love when she is all swaddled up she looks like a present!
