Mary Had a Little Lamb

Well, she's finally here, and we couldn't be happier about it. Though surprised is probably the first word that comes to mind. Wednesday was just another ordinary day. Matthew got up and we ate breakfast together. Then he went with me to my doctor's appointment mid-morning. We didn't wait too long, and when my doctor checked me, he said "Whoa" with this surprised look on his face.

You're 5 centimeters dilated already.

I am? (I thought he was joking)

Yeah, and I can stretch you to 6.

No way. (still didn't believe him)

I gotta send you to the hospital. I think you're in labor.

The first thing I thought was, What do I do with Matthew? I hope my mom-in-law is available. I don't have my suitcase with me. It was this whirlwind of thoughts twirling around in my head--I've never been so caught off guard in my life. I went to the hospital right away, after calling Josh, his mom, and my mom. And did you know that children under 14 aren't even allowed in the waiting room of the hospital because of the flu season? They let Matthew stay with me until someone came to pick him up, which ended up being his 2 awesome aunts. They took him to the mall and fed him, and I knew he was in good hands.

I had already checked myself in, and my wonderful nurse, Molly, escorted me to my room and got me IV'd and everything. She was so kind and friendly, and I even began to cry in front of her. I told her that right now the only thing I was worried about was Matthew and if he'd be ok without me and everything. I knew he'd have a great time with the family and that they were more than capable of watching him, but I guess my emotions got the better of me at that moment. And plus Josh hadn't arrived yet, so I felt pretty alone. Oh but once he got there I felt much better.

They gave me Pitocin to make the contractions more regular. I began to feel them and they made me uncomfortable, but I was able to talk through most of them to distract myself. Josh's mom arrived to see how we were doing, and our new Pastor visited us so he could pray with us. That was so reassuring.

I knew I wanted my epidural soon, and after they broke my water, I was really sure I wanted it. Suddenly the contractions were very very strong and very close together. Josh held my hand and helped me breathe through each one. It was so hard. I didn't really feel contractions with Matthew because I got my epidural earlier, but now I know why it's called labor. I can't even describe how much I just wanted the contractions to go away. Josh was watching the monitor, and I couldn't wait to hear him say, Ok, it should be dying down now.

Ugh, I was getting so tired (in my focus to get to the hospital, I forgot to eat lunch), and I didn't know if I'd have the energy to finish this thing. Between each contraction I'd ask for the epidural to make sure they didn't forget about me. Finally the dude came in and I was so happy to see him. I asked how long it would take to work, and he said only a few minutes. Oh, and let me tell you, it's hard to go through a contraction and hold still while a needle gets stuck in your back. I held onto Molly for support (they made Josh leave the room). I was worried the medicine wouldn't kick in on time, because I was feeling the urge to push at this point. Once the epidural was in, the severity of the contractions dwindled. Josh said my grip on his hand got weaker with each one. I could still feel them, and the needle dude wondered out loud if he should give me more medicine, and I said in a drawled voice, Yeah, I like the epidural. Give me more of that. I even fell asleep for a few minutes.

The epidural was in me for about an hour total. My doctor came in and checked me out, and it was time to push. I was in good spirits too. His assistant did the counting while I pushed, and she kept holding out the last few numbers in the count, which I had to point out to her. It made everyone laugh. After a few pushes, someone mentioned they could see her head, and I'm like, Already? The doctor used a vacuum to help pull her out. I think her oxygen levels weren't great. They said she didn't like her head being squished in the birth canal (not that she was there long).

So roughly 7 hours of laboring in the hospital and 10 minutes of pushing resulted in this little beauty:

And since I didn't get a chance to get a 9-month belly picture, Josh took one for me in the hospital.
Here she is after just coming out. As you can see she was sucking on her hand immediately. We're wondering if she'll be a pacifier kid. She already has a stronger suck than Matthew did, which explains why I'm so sore from nursing.

The first pic with my girl. I know I look awful, but I think my eyes look happy.

The three of us. Matthew didn't get to see her until we got home, otherwise he'd be in this picture too.

After I'd nurse her in the football hold, she liked to just hang out by my side on the pillow. Usually asleep, but we caught her awake this time.

A Daddy's girl already.

Boy, it's hard work being a newborn. I think I need a nap.

And here's a comfy place to sleep.

This was the result of putting her in the carseat to go home. Matthew didn't like it at first either. She was screaming down the hallway, but once we made it to the doors, she conked out.

Josh was a wonderful support through the whole event. He and the doctor were talking sports and electronics while I was laboring, but I didn't mind, since I was medicated. He continues to be a great support at home too. He's totally taking care of Matthew, and he holds Esther when I need a bathroom break or shower. Whe she's up at night, he gets her for me and changes her diaper. And he does all this while battling the cold that Matthew and I are getting over. The Lord definitely had His hand in this birth. He brought Esther at the pefect time, and we are so thankful for our little growing family.

These were just the hospital pics. I've got more from our first days home.