Introducing our sweet girl

Posted on January 22, 2009

Claire Elizabeth

Born January 14, 6:35pm

6lbs., 15 oz., 21 inches long & completely perfect.

Our girl arrived right on time on a cold Wednesday night. I’d been worried about when I’d finally go into labor, setting up all the various scenarios about where we’d take Kate if I went into labor in the middle of the night, afternoon, evening, etc. I had so many different options bouncing around in my head and it was so difficult for me to imagine Kate going to sleep in a bed that wasn’t her own. But everything worked out so perfectly. My mom and sisters arrived a few hours before I went into labor and were here JUST in time to watch her and allow her to stay in her own surroundings. My other concern was going into labor on my own. I so wanted Claire to arrive on the day God intended her to arrive and not rush her by inducting her, but I was so crazy overdue I was at the point where I was seriously considering induction, I even had an induction scheduled for earlier that morning, but after lots of discussion David and I felt peace in waiting it out after my afternoon doc. appt. showed that Claire was in no danger. So after the doctor appointment we headed to the commissary and I felt a little cramping, but nothing bad. We came home and  unloaded the groceries within about an hour of being home I felt more cramping and it quickly escalated so that by 4:45 we were in the car on our way to the hospital. Keeping Kate safe and sound at home in her own surroundings in the loving care of her Granny. As we drove I timed the contractions and they were about 3-4 minutes apart and I was in pretty bad discomfort, but I felt incredible peace. I even felt peace when I arrived, was told I was already 5cm and that I was progressing too fast for an epidural (and considering how much I hate pain, that’s a BIG miracle). I felt peace in the wonderful birthing environment I was in, dim lights, low music playing and only one doctor and one midwife present with David and I as I pushed our sweet girl into the world. It is one of the most special moments David and I shared. With my U.S. birth there were so many people present (doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist and who knows who else) that it felt like David was just part of the crowd, but this time they allowed him the space to really BE with me and help me, it was a truely special experience. We were given a bit of a scare when Claire arrived with the cord wrapped around her neck and arm and her face was blue, but the incredible doctor and midwife knew exactly what to do and Claire was crying within minutes and reassuring us that she was fine.  We were given plenty of time alone afterwards for her to nurse and us to bond with our precious girl. The experience of giving birth overseas was initially a really scary thought to me, but it ended up not only being a great experience, but the most PERFECT experience. They allowed me the time to continue my pregnancy without bieng forced to induce. They kept the room dim and peaceful so that our girl wasn’t shocked into the world with a bright light shining right on her face. They allowed David to be an active part of the labor and delivery The experience was just peaceful and completely perfect.

Claire is now 8 days old and has adjusted to us so well. She sleeps wonderful, eats great, never cries, isn’t bothered by her active big sister and is the perfect addition to our family. We are so thankful for our miracle!

Last Place

Posted on January 11, 2009

Not that it’s really a race…but just so everyone knows I’m in last place. I’m still pregnant and everyone else has given birth at this point! HAAA!

Yes…I’m still pregnant

Posted on January 5, 2009

So without meaning to, I guess I managed to hide my pregnant stomach in the Christmas post I made. I got a few comments from people asking where my pregnant stomach was…I was under the impression that my pregnant face and gigantic thighs would have been enough “proof” of the weight…er I mean BABY that is growing away at the moment. Our sweet girl is due on Friday, but she can come whenever she wishes, I’m just hoping maybe a tad sooner than later, it’s the downhill slide now and I’m SOOO eager to see her sweet face and get to know her sweetness! I keep thinking everyday, “Oh today will be the day!” but so far nothing. Kate was a week late…so I’m preparing myself for that this time as well. 

So here I am and from these angles there is no denying…I AM pregnant! I love the second photo especially cause Kate is in the background doing what she does best…picking her nose. I happened to look up just in time to see her digging away and proceeded to click away, it’s blurry but it makes me laugh!