The Newest Addition!

On December 7th at 403 pm - our newest daughter entered the world!

Earlier in the morning I had my usual NST and my pre-op appointment. I just had a feeling I would be giving birth that day but was in denial. Of all days, I didn't shave my legs, didn't take the car seat out of the car for my mom, and even told her I didn't need to borrow her car because I'd be back home in about an hour or so. I was hoping my suspicions weren't right because Erik had just started his 48 hour shift.

I arrived at the hospital - so proud to have Stork parking and hoping that wasn't a sign either. I NEVER get Stork parking (which is parking right up front) and was excited that finally there was a spot open. I waddled inside and upstairs for my NST.

They hooked me up to the monitors and took my blood pressure. It was high. 134/103 high. It did come down quite a bit the second reading - but not enough to not be considered borderline. I told myself to just calm down, that didn't mean I was having a baby. As I was doing the NST I was having contractions through it. I told myself they were just Braxton Hicks and not anything rhythmic and weren't too painful so that wouldn't mean I'd deliver. Then they checked for the amniotic fluid. It was 5. Crap. I pretty much knew then I'd be delivering that day, but just told myself maybe not.

I was ushered over to my pre-op appointment and as I waited in the room I just told myself maybe she'll still let me wait until Friday. She knocked on the door, walked in, sat down and the first words were "so I think we are having a baby today...I am not messing around with the fluid or blood pressure anymore and it's time. She's term and what's 4 days?" She assured me she'd re-arrange her schedule so she could deliver the baby for me and told me to call my husband right there. I started crying. I was scared, I was excited, but I think mostly scared.

I called Erik, he at first thought I was joking, but then was able to find relief and meet me over in Labor and Delivery. As I waited for family to arrive, my contractions were picking up and becomming more painful. They were anywhere from 1-4 minutes apart.

Family arrived and we waited some more. Right before I was to go into surgery, my water also started trickling out. I guess it was the right day after all. Whether I was sent home or whether she told me they were taking the baby, I would have ended up having her the same day.

315 rolled around and it was time to bring me into the OR. I was super scared. I said my goodbyes to family and waddled across the hall. They prepped me for surgery, Erik was brought in, and it began.

I am not going to lie...it was totally different this time around. With Emily, I didn't feel a thing. No tugging, no pulling, nothing. This time? I felt it all. Nothing overly painful, but the tugging and pulling and pushing at times were pretty rough. But at 403, she entered the world. She was 8 pounds even, 19.5 inches long and perfect. We named her Allison Mae.

I am obviously home from the hospital now, trying to heal. The healing isn't going as smoothly as it did with Emily but each day it's getting easier. Although my feet are like balloons and I can barely walk on them from all the fluid and I can't wear shoes, and the incision at times stings or pulls and my boobs hurt and I am exhausted. It was worth it. SO worth it!

Emily is having a tough time adjusting but each day she gets better and better. Before long, she will love her little sister just like she loves us (and forgive her mommy for bringing her home). :)

I never thought my heart could grow any bigger - but it has. We are so in love!

First few seconds of life...




First time being dressed...




Proud Daddy...





Baby feet...



All she does at home...