.Due Date.

Today was my due date. I'm thankful that I've had her in my arms for a week and a half now.

Just look at the pumpkin head. She would rather be sleeping!


I thought today would be a good day to share her birth story. If your not interested, feel free to skip this entry, but I need to record it so that I can transfer it later to her journal.

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Monday morning, October 22nd, 2007, was our induction. We were scheduled for 6:30. My doctor and I had a deal. Monday Night Football was in town and he was going, he promised if we started early I'd be holding my baby in the afternoon. Our weekend had been full of more contractions, false labor and last minute details. I was terrified they were going to be too busy for us, but at 5:20 when I called they had more than enough room for me. I got Bradley up and we headed on our way.

I was contracting, not hurting, but noticable contractions that were still irregular. I could definaely "feel" that they were real. I probably would have ended up there if they would have not had the room. We checked in and by the time I got to my room it was about 7:15. We got all the bloodwork, IV's and hookups out of the way. Dr. G came in at 8:10. He broke my water, all clear, and we started pitocin. I was still 2cm from my previous appointment, but 75% effaced. He estimated we would have a baby by early afternoon.

At 9:50 I was prepped for my epidural. The pain hadn't become unbearable but I was getting uncomfortable. Let me just say, I love epidurals! Within minutes I was happy as could be. My epidural was alot different this time than with Delaney, I could move my legs but they were still numb. It was great. There were moments I felt 'hot spots' but didn't want to ask for them to fix things too soon and chance slowing things down. It wasn't horrible, so I continued to labor.

At 11:00 my nurse emptied my bladder. I was dilated to 4. I got a little scared - it seemed to be going slow and my dr. was due to leave early for Monday Night Football.

At 11:45 Dr. G was back for a check. I was a "good" 4 - hey take what you can get right? But she was OP (opposite posterior) or face up. He said things move slower in that position but not to worry he'd turn her if needed but she still had time to turn herself. I felt quite a bit of movement from her after that and hoped she was doing the work herself. I was still feeling a little bit in my left side but labored on without it getting too much worse.

At 1:20 Dr. G came back in. Checked me and asked if I was feeling pressure. I wasn't - but I was 9cm. Not expecting that! She had turned on her own, too. No longer did he get into the hallway - I felt pressure. I told my nurse, was checked again and was complete. Things started happening fast. Another nurse came in to prep my room for delivery while my nurse took care of something for her other patient and call my dr. back. During all of this, I was feeling the pain I mentioned earlier but worse. With each contraction on top of each other the pain was radiating across my lower stomach. I got scared. I cried a little because I couldn't help it. My mom talked me through it. We called for the anesthea to come "fix me" before we started the pushing phase. I could feel her moving down and hoped I wouldn't have to push long. I had to have a quick shot of lidocaine which did the trick.

Dr. G came back in at 1:50 and it was time. They broke the bed down and he scrubbed in.At around 2:00 I was ready to push. With my first push everyone was really excited. I looked in my mirror and saw why, she was right there. They all started yelling for me to push harder, even my doctor, I pushed with everything I had and 2 pushes later at 2:06 p.m. - she was out. They were the best coaches ever. It was amazing. I never expected it to happen that fast. Bradley cut the cord, I had my first moments with her, and they went off to clean her up. I nursed her for the first time (she's a champion nurser) and we called in the visitors from the waiting room. Delaney was able to meet her baby sister before they whisked her away to the nursery. It was such a special time.

I already can't remember life without her. Its funny how that happens.

Two of my favorite photos of the day.

One week

Where does the time go. I've been so caught up in cuddles and kisses from my girls. I just love it.

We are a family of four!

Introducing...

Avery Kate

10/22/07

2:06 pm

7lbs 1oz

20 inches

The last one!

She will be here tomorrow! I'll update when I can. In the meantime, I pray they have a bed for me at 5:30 so we can get this party started.

Some of the sweetest words I ever did hear...

"Mommy, you are my beeeest friend."

Melt my heart.

C R A Z Y

I've just come to realize that may be me.

We are 4 days from baby and we ripped up the carpet in our Florida room last night. Thank goodness my dad is coming tomorrow afternoon to start putting down the new flooring. I have a million things to do around here - like clean up! But I don't feel like I can do any of that until that room is finished and its driving me crazy!

My mom called earlier to chat and asked what we had for dinner. Um, it was 7:15 and dinner hasn't crossed my mind let alone cooking something. She said "Your not eating dinner tonight?" and my reply was "Um, yea. I think I'll order pizza." (And I'll toss and turn with heartburn all night, too.)

I know I mentioned that we are 4 days from baby - but can you believe that?

I'm here and still pregnant

I've been neglecting the blog again. It's just the end of pregnancy - busy and tired. And when not either of those I just try to find some peace and quiet while I can.

My partner was asleep and the hubby and I were about to leave for one last dinner out alone before becoming parents of two!

I feel it won't be much longer...

36 weeks

Isn't she sweet!



She weighs in at 6lbs. So all those who keep saying "that's not right" or "is she big enough" can kiss my foot. She'll probably end up around the same size as her sister if not a few ounces more. 50th percentile is just where she is and should be.

But apparently, she is comfortable for a little while longer. Which I am okay with until my doctor gets back from his trip next weekend. Gives me another week or so to fit in my last minute important details like a pedicure! When I hit 38 weeks I'll be preaching another story!

Everything is perfect. No weight gain for me (woohoo!) and everything looks good.

Babygirl also had a follow up this morning and has kicked her UTI for good. I think. I hope. They are almost certain but going to culture it anyway. Other news with her is that we are halfway potty trained! Oh my goodness. I thought the day was far way but one morning two weeks ago she woke up wanting the potty and has had no accidents so far! (Pee pee that is!)

I'm feeling really tired today and in fact this morning was almost certain I would have hurt my hubby. I do not know what the point in setting an alarm 2 hours ahead of time and sleeping through it every seven minutes while your pregnant wife wakes you up, herself and your unborn child up in the process. Geez. Then to say "Why did you let me sleep that late? when you do finally come back to earth..) Ummmm ... HELLO, excuse me - don't go there. In two weeks or so it won't really be an issue, but for right now I would like to TRY to get some sleep.

Which makes me wonder why am I not taking a nap right now???

Count down mode!

I can't decide if its fast or slow!

This is a few days away from 36 weeks and at the maximum 30 days away from meeting little bit. (We'll see if we can still call her little bit on Wednesday when we get an esimate on her weight.)


I'm trying to mark down my to-do list. I know there is still some time. But I don't like surprises and I like to be prepared. I can thank my father. Babygirl came at 38 weeks so I stop counting there. Hopefully, baby sister will follow big sister's footsteps.