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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!
congarts!! she is beautiful!!!
Congratulations! I’m so glad that all went so well and wonderful and that you are all healthy and happy. She’s beautiful!
I am so happy for you that everything went so well. I was praying for you that everything would go smoothly. I have also been waiting to see your first picture of that beautiful little girl, she’s just perfect. Only about three more months and it will be our turn!
Annie, she is just beautiful, and I am so thankful that your experience was that wonderful as well! Please keep us updated as to how you are all doing and how I can pray. Love & miss you. Chere
Annie I am so excited for you and your extending family! Claire is absolutely beautiful and I love everything about the pic you posted!!!Vibrant Color and her eyes look amazing!
That made me cry! Annie, you don’t even know how happy I am for you that it was such a great experience! She IS perfect! I wish I could be there to watch her grow! She looks adorable in that outfit i got her! I can’t wait to see more pics. Congrats again!!!
i was so thrilled to hear about your experience off base! i always worry (because i had some FUN times at german hospitals/clinics) how labor turns out for people out here. it was sooo great to hear that you guys had a memorable, spiritual experience. youre amazing for not getting an epirdural! can i call you she-ra now?
and dang annie, she looks so much like kate! what a cutie! she is so perfect! i cant wait to meet her.
I am so happy for you! She is beautiful!!!
Congrats again Annie. She is just precious! I am so glad everything happened the way it did and that she is doing so well!
Yea! Welcome Claire
Love the name too. 
She is so sweet; when I scrolled down and saw her little face my first thought was that she looks like Kate! Their mouths are just the same
Glad it was such a great experience for you– guess you’ll just have to keep having more!
OMG Annie she is absolutely gorgeous!!!! I am so glad you had a happy experience…congrats to you and your family!
Tell my miss Claire that her aunty amy wants to be there so bad to kiss her sweet cheeks. These are the days when I REALLY feel like I’m missing out — being sooooo far away. Why did we ever live a ga-jillion miles apart anyways??? Gosh … you have been one of the BEST things of my life!!! I’m so sorry I’m not there to share in your girls lives. Know that I love you and am with you in heart and spirit. And please take lots of pictures. xoxo “Becky”
She is absolutely goregous! Congrats! I loved ready your birth story and that you had such a good experience!
Hey Girl! Congrats!! She is sooo cute! I am glad everything went well! How is Kate doing with a new sister?? Love ya lots!
Congrats! She is absolutely beautiful and looks a lot like Kate! Enjoy all the snuggling…they grow too darn fast, don’t they?