On Thursday night, Carter, Eric and I went on a very long walk. We had been walking a lot throughout the week, and I was hoping it would kick start something. I had no idea it would work! I went to bed that night regretting walking almost a mile and a half... my back was killing me, along with my feet and my legs. I just knew I was going to feel awful the next day. I fell asleep, and surprisingly slept pretty well most of the night considering how bad my body hurt. I woke up at 4:50am to a pretty strong contraction. I couldn't be sure that was what it was though, because I was so out of it when it came on. It lasted only about a minute, so the only thing to do at that point was to stay awake a little while and see if another one came. And sure enough, 20 minutes later, one did. Just as strong, same length. About 5 minutes later, I got up to use the bathroom, and when I did, I felt pretty sure that my water had actually broken. I woke Eric up at about 5:15 and we got moving in the direction of the hospital. We of course had nothing packed, so I had to do that while trying to keep from making a huge mess of my room and bathroom because I was still leaking everywhere! We got our parents called, got Carter up, and finally got out the door by about 6:00. By 6:30, I was checked into the hospital and in my L&D room. They confirmed that my water had in fact ruptured, that I was dilated about 3cm, and we were definitely there to stay! My parents and Eric's mom got there shortly after to help with Carter. I guess it was around 9:30 that I got my epidural. The nurse checked me again at about 11:00, and I was about 4cm by then. But before I knew it, contractions were coming pretty fast and strong, and by 11:45, I was fully dilated and the doctor was called. I had to wait on him a little while, and sitting there fully dilated with strong contractions ready to push for about 45 minutes was awful! I was so ready to get the show on the road! Finally around 12:30, the doctor arrived I was able to start pushing. After 3 contractions and 3 very long, hard pushes, she came!! I nursed her about an hour after she was born. Right after that, Eric brought Carter in to meet her. That was definitely one of the happiest moments of my life. He was so sweet with her, and you could just tell he already had so much love for her without even knowing why or how. Shortly after that, mine and Eric's families came in to meet Ella. I was then moved to my post partum room where I was able to eat lunch. I was STARVING!! The rest of the day was spent loving on our new baby girl, having a few more visitors come, and trying to rest. Carter came back to the hospital that night after dinner to be with us some more, and he sure seemed to love every minute of being with his new sister! Because my delivery went so smooth, and Ella was healthy and doing great, we got to go home Saturday afternoon after only 24 hours. I guess we only spent about 32 hours in the hospital total. Since being home, everything has gone pretty well. Ella is nursing great, sleeping as well as can be expected, and Carter is adjusting really well. Eric will be off work this entire week, and we are just enjoying our time as a family of 4! I will try to update with some more pictures before the end of the week. We'll see if I can get around to it. :) But thanks to all of your for your sweet words and well wishes. We are beyond thrilled with our new addition!!
Ready for her to come already!
Yay! Happy Birthday!!
Love my girl
Proud Daddy
Meeting his sister for the first time. Happy tears from Momma!
First kisses. I think Ella really looks like Carter did as a newborn in this picture.
Look at my smiling, happy, sweet boy!
First picture as a family of 4!
Uncle Matt
Ella came as he was eating lunch, so he had to finish in my room right after.
Grandad
Nana
Grandma
Grandpa
In the nursery after her first bath.
Snuggling Mommy
More love from her big brother
All ready to go home!
Awwww.
So tiny!
Resting comfortably at home!
