She is here!

Gabriella Elizabeth arrived at 11:45am this morning. I didn't really have an opportunity to update because things progressed so quickly. At 9:00am the doctor came in and broke my water, I was 3 cm dilated, 9:30am I had my epidural and by 10:00am I was 8 cm dilated. At 10:25am I was a full 10 cm and we decided to wait to push for a little while. At 11:00am I began pushing and 45 minutes later she was here! She weighs 6lbs. 14oz. and is 19.75 inches long. Not that we are partial or anything, but we think she is BEAUTIFUL. She has a head full of blonde hair too, which is super cute! We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers and can't believe what a wonderful day it has been.

All hooked up

Well, we have been at the hospital for 2 hours now and things are going well. I was having regular mild contractions when we got here and now they are more frequent and more uncomfortable. We expect to see the doctor during this hour so he can break my water and get things progressing even more. I will probably be opting for an epidural in the next few hours...the debate is whether to do it before the 2 c-sections that are scheduled or wait until after...

The most unfortunate thing about this morning is that it is a miserable day outside. It is cloudy, rainy and cool. A good day to be indoors, but wishing it was bright and sunny!

Monday is the Day

We had a great visit to the doctor yesterday; everything is going well. Brian asked the doctor if there was anything we can do to speed up the process of getting the baby here. The doctor replied, well we can do it tomorrow or Monday if you would like. You could imagine the look on our faces when discussing the thought of tomorrow, which would have been today! Deer in headlights for sure! We decided that tomorrow was too quick and opted for Monday if Gabriella doesn't come on her own. Sunday night the hospital will call us to let us know what time to be there the following morning. It will probably be some ungodly hour like 5:00am so they can get me hooked up to drugs and get things rolling. The doctor will come in between 7:00-8:00am to check me and he anticipates that if all goes well we will have a baby by around 4:00 that afternoon.

From the getgo I was anti-induction. After hearing some horror stories and knowing the fact that 40% of inductions end up in c-sections you really think twice. But, after talking with the doctor and trusting his judgment, he said he would make me go overdue if he felt my body and the baby weren't ready. Since I am already dilating and thinned, I have "favorable conditions" for a positive induction. Wish us luck on Monday!

Eviction Notice

Dear Gabriella,

While I am sure you are warm and cozy, your Daddy has come home and Mommy is getting very uncomfortable. I am asking kindly that you vacate your current residence in a timely manner so we are able to meet you, love you, and adore you. Daddy would like to spend as much time with you before he has to return to the job that helps put food in your tummy and I would like to have Daddy home to help for as much time as possible. Knowing that you come from a family of stubborn people, we know that you will vacate in your own time, but if you could do this sooner that later it would be much appreciated.

Love,
Mommy (38 weeks and a few days pregnant)