Well, our little girl has made her appearance! Friday was an exciting day ... we got to the hospital around 8:30 and were checked into our labor and delivery room with a ridiculous view by 9:30.
My contractions were already 4 minutes apart and were getting very strong. "Mr. Epidural" finally arrived around 12:30 and as you can see from the picture, all was right again. (Yes! Hoag hospital offers popsicles and ice chips ... Free! With any delivery!)
The nurses checked my progress and I had only dilated to a 4, so they ordered Pitocin to speed up my progress. The nurse said that once you reach a 5, you progress another centimeter every hour. So we figured little Ashley would arrived around 7 or 8 that night. Two hours later, I had gone from a 4 to a 10! They were ready for me to push! I couldn't believe it! I did a couple of "practice pushes" and the nurses called my doctor to tell her that the baby had crowned. In 20 minutes, Dr. Grouse arrived and we pushed 3 sets of 10 (Chris said this lasted 5 minutes..) and our Baby Girl arrived! It was the most amazing experience and I can't believe how easily and quickly she arrived. They put her right up on my chest and she looked me right in the eye and reached out to me. No crying, just looked at me, stretched out her arm and grabbed right onto my finger. It was a moment that I will never forget.
After that, they took her over to the warmer in our room and cleaned her off, weighed her, etc. This is all done in room, so your baby never leaves you! They brought her back to me in this silly little hat and our first family photo was taken.
It was a beautiful experience. The hospital, staff, labor and delivery far surpassed anything that I had imagined this experience to be ... I think I'm ready for Number 2! (Kidding! Notice the time of this post! The sleep deprivation is already kicking in!)
Thanks to all of you for the phone calls, texts and well wishes. We love you and can't wait for you to meet our little girl! (And don't worry, this blog is ongoing ... Stay tuned for more updates. I will still try to post every day or two.)
3 comments:
Can't wait to see her in 2 and 1/2 weeks. You look fantastic honey and we are over the moon with happiness for you, Chris and our little Ashley! Love the pink sunglasses...already a star!
Love you.
Congratulations Tracee. She looks beautiful, as do all 3 of you. I have that exact picture after Trent and Paige were born. Such a special time....enjoy every minute. Love you so much, Aunt Suzy and the DeLazzer gang
Such Heaven. Heartfelt congrats. You continue to be the beautiful family! She is yummy and precious, and I am soooo happy for all of you. Thanks for sharing all the details; right up my alley :>). Enjoy every moment of this greatest time in your lives. Your joyous smiles say it all and bring tears to my eyes. xoxo, Grammy Sue
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