Our Little One's Arrival

After getting home from the hospital on the 11th, I continued having contractions.  Joe helped me through them throughout the night then Mom took over in the morning so Budd could get a bit of sleep.  We didn't want to go in too early again so Mom kept really good track of the contractions and did excellent counter pressure on my low back for me.

I knew I was ready to go when around 10:30 in the morning on the 12th I told Mom I wanted to get to the hospital and get the epidural going.  We woke Budd up and started the trip back up to the hospital.  Budd got us there in about 30 minutes and Mom continued to help me through each contraction.  They did not let up this time but became stronger and closer together during the drive.

 Just looking at this picture I can tell I am in real pain.  They checked me and found I was now 5cm dilated.  Definitely not being kicked out.

 Anesthesia giving me the epidural at about 12:30.

 Hooked up again but loving the epidural.  I could not have done natural childbirth being restricted to the bed like this - no way.

Pretty tired after nearly 29 hours of labor.

 Mom and Joe exchanged taking breaks to grab some food and stuff.  Mom bought me a new adorable bear whom I now call Daisy Bear.  She is decked out with super cute hat and headband that baby can eventually wear.  Budd is working on his computer.

At about 6:30pm I could tell the epidural was wearing off a bit (which made me happy given I became a more active participant in the actual delivery).  I looked around at everyone and said flat out that baby was coming and I needed to push.  At first, the nurses didn't really believe me.  They checked me again and clearly saw how correct I was.  Everyone started helping me with the pushing which fortunately only lasted about 25 minutes.  The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice, but all turned out alright.

 This is Alex who was by far my favorite nurse in the hospital.  She was excellent at helping me during the delivery.

 Our baby girl arrived after 32 hours of labor at exactly 7:00pm Wednesday, June 12 weighing 7lbs 2.8ozs measuring 20.5ins.  Above is one of the video clips of some of her first cries and below are a couple of her first photos.

 Daddy with a scrub top that they put her footprints on.

 Our little bundle all swaddled up.

 Being held by Grandma.

 Look at all of that hair!

 All swaddled again following her first sponge bath.

 Sleepy time after nursing.

 We are so thankful our little girl arrived safely into this world.  She is already showing her sweet spirit and cute personality.  I am extremely grateful to Budd and Mom who helped me get through the hours of labor and delivery.