Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Story

It seems to be my tradition after I give birth to rehash the event for all to read. I'm not sure how many of you want to know the gory details, but if you're interested, keep reading. For those who would rather believe fabulous storks bring darling babies to beautiful, relaxed mothers (wouldn't that be lovely!) avert your eyes and quickly scroll down to view my cutie-patootie in her too big bow and her going home outfit...yes, it is pink!

At about 36 1/2 weeks I went into false labor. I starting contracting 10 min. apart and they lasted through the night then moved closer together in the morning. By 10 am, they were roughly 5 min. apart, but not too intense. They were real contractions, but just without the 5 min. apart edge, if that makes sense. I had a dr. appt that day, so he had me come in early and checked me. I had moved from nothing to a 2. Not bad, but not typical of my labors. He gave me the option of checking into the hospital and breaking my water, or I could walk around and see if we could get things going more intensely. I chose to walk around. They started being more intense, but would ease into less intense contractions (now 3-5 min. apart) if I sat down. I went back to let him check me and now I was a loose 2. Not good on the progression front. Our little girl's head wasn't really engaged. He had me go to triage to be monitored and while I was laying there, things just fizzled out. He let me choose what I wanted to do and we chose to go home and wait things out. Kit had given me a blessing and it helped to make our decision. Throughout the next two weeks, Emmeline dropped and I would have strong, real contractions, but always random-no rhyme or time to them. My doctor checked me and I was almost a 4 and her head was pressing down well, hmmm...big surprise I would have contractions? He offered to start me-the belief being if we could get my contractions in rhythm, I would have a quick labor. How true that was!

I went into the hospital Friday the 19th at 6:30 am. At 7:30 he broke my water and they started me on a low dose of pitocin. The contractions were intense, but I could breathe through them. Things went from intense to very intense and my nurse (who was the BEST ever) called my doctor. Unfortunately, very intense went to have-to-push-NOW the very next contraction. So I was struggling with a LOT of effort not to push until my doctor could arrive. When I lost the battle and HAD to push, he sailed in to save the day. He took his time, made me take mine and little Miss Emmeline made her way into this world at 11:14 am. Just less than a 4 hour labor.

Let me say here how much I LOVE my doctor! He is so personable, listened to what I wanted and needed and made such an effort to have things go right. I didn't tear or need to be cut and that was definitely due to him. I was also so impressed with my nurse, Wanda. She was just what I needed. Since I labor naturally, I feel so trapped in pain when I lay in the bed. She worked with me, the tubing and monitors so I could be in a comfortable position sitting, then kneeling, then perched on the edge of the bed. I know that helped my labor to progress much quicker than if I had laid there on my back. She was cheerful and always had words of encouragement. She didn't talk too much or touch me during contractions (I'm awful-those are my 2 biggest things I can't stand when I'm laboring-even if they are just trying to be helpful).

Emmeline was such a darling surprise. My boys all had red fuzz, not too much on top-mostly body fuzz and sweet pale skin. They were longer than Emme, so they looked much thinner, not nearly as chubby and all struggled a little at birth with various problems-breathing, heat retention, etc. This little girl was such a change with hair (actual hair up there, not just fuzz), dark coloring, chubby cheeks and instant health. My boys have fallen sweetly, deeply in love with their little sister. I love it!!!

Now for the pictures-it still catches me off guard that I have a daughter. I still call her son, every now and then and when I catch sight of her bows, I smile.

Not super attractive picture of me, but this was just before leaving for the hospital

Proud Daddy

Mimi (my mother) holding Emmeline

Emmeline in her pink going home outfit-courtesy of her Auntie Stephanie


All ready to go home in her car seat-note the cute princess socks I made

20 comments:

Aubrey said...

Yay for a relatively easy, quick labor and for a healthy beautiful baby girl (all though that sucks about your two weeks of semi-labor). I love her bow and your car seat - it's super cute!

Mere said...

Oh my gosh, that bow is bigger than her head! You are girl crazy!

Congratulations!

Mamapierce said...

She's gorgeous! Congratulations!!!

whitney said...

Now if she isn't the cutest thing EVER! I can't even believe she came out of your body...she just looks NOTHING like your boys. I just want to eat her right up, making sure to nibble on the cheekies an extra long time. So, so adorable!

Emily Kim said...

Congrats! She looks amazing! So cute!

Kara and Theo said...

Don't you just HATE it when they tell you not to push! I was always like, "Yeah Right! Screw the Doctor, get your catchers mitt!". I'm glad it went so fast, I just might have to get your dr.'s name. She is so adorable! I am loving the bow, the car seat and of course that too precious face! Just look at those cheeks! LOVE IT! Congratulations!!!

Anna said...

I'm sure her safe and healthy arrival is such a relief. She is simply beautiful. It's about time there was another girl in your house!!!

Lively Luckinbills said...

i love the pictures. the bow is not too big at all;) everything about this post is adorable: your full belly, pink bows and outfit, the carseat, and most of all the baby!!

The DeVito's said...

Congratulations! She's absolutely beautiful! My husband thought that Bella had big bows, but you DEFINITELY beat her! Isabella has that same outfit. BTW, I love the name Emmeline!

Heidi said...

SO. DARN. CUTE!!!

Ashlee said...

She really is so cute Lib! I can't believe those cheeks! They just sit there on her chest. :)

I still don't know how you labor naturally (fast or not)! Give me my epidural!! :)

Did Kit tell you that Michael wanted to call Uncle Kit last night? Later in the evening Michael wanted to get on the webcam to talk to Uncle Kit again and to see Gunner! :)

Love ya! Give everyone there kisses from Aunt Ashlee!

Ashlee said...

P.S: You look great in the picture before you went to the hospital!! What a cute Mommy!

Jenny said...

Hooray for getting that baby here safe and sound! You look fab! I was a wreck and still don't know how you do it without an epidural. My hubby always says bows are for girls without hair so you might want to reconsider the bow thing! JK! Tell your mom she looks great too!

Andrea said...

SHe is such a CUTIE, but you already know that! I love the hair bows. ADORABLE.
BTW, don't you love it when you are asked not to push. It is nearly impossible. I was told not to push with Cecily. When they are ready to come, there is absolutely nothing stopping them from coming! :)
Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Yay for sweet Emme!! I can't believe how late I am catching this post...shame on me! :) I love rehashing birthing stories, too. I did, indeed look cute before you went into to have Baby. Your belly was adorable. Crazy how it's your last belly shot... May I say, her bow is perfect...no matter the size. I love that liitle girl so much and am counting down the days until you'll have to pry her outta my hands to feed her. Maybe you can give her an extra squeeze from Auntie 'till I get there??

Haylee Munk Brown said...

She is so precious! I am glad that things went so well! You are going to be so cute with a little girl and she will have 3 of the best protectors!!!

Jennifer and Enoch Jones said...

I LOVE the pink hair bow!!! :)

carli said...

Way too cute!! Congrats!!

Charee B Mcclellan said...

oh my heck, she is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute! i love the little outfit, and the bow..and The SOCKS! i am so excited for you. ohh and your mother is beautiful, and looks sooo young. she has aged, so well. what a hottie, i guess that is where you got your hotness! love ya hun

holyoak said...

I didn't realize you posted this Lib. I was thinking it was Kit's and didn't open it. Sorry!

You, as always, were / are a super star. So very stoic. But stoic folks need to let loose once in a while, ya know. Not good to keep too much bottled up or the lid steams over, ya know...

I agree with Emme's Mimi being a hottie! Too bad her Granddad is an old curmudgeon...

Sure love you guys, tough on me not being there for all of the great events. I did send my emissary though, and being my by far superior better half it was undoubtedly for the best.

More pictures please...!