In the beginning...I was induced on September 3. Nobody wants to know every detail of a birth story, but there are a few things I want to remember about Evelyn's birthday. We "picked" the date for her birth because Chase's birthday is June 3 and mine is November 3. Of course I could have been in labor all day and night and not had her until the fourth, but we thought we'd give ourselves the chance. My goodness, I was ready to meet her! Scheduling the induction meant that we had a chance to get everything ready and packed. We also could let family know in advance. We have a lot of family. We're blessed that they were all so excited to meet her and all wanted to be there! Nerves were taking over in the morning, and things progressed slowly and steadily. Basically, the first time I said, "Ow, this kind of might hurt," the nurse asked, "Are you ready for your epidural?"
"Yes. Yes I am."
This is the part of the story where people start to hate me. And by people I mean everyone who's had a difficult labor. Once the epidural started, I was HAPPY. I did not know how much pain I was experiencing until I was more comfortable than I've ever been in my life. It felt like stepping into a piping hot bath for the first time. I took a nap, and in the afternoon the nurse came back to check my progress. She decided not to tell me what it was because she needed a "second opinion." Panicked, I told my mom, "This is it. I haven't made any progress, and they're going to have to start discussing other options." I just knew it was the worst case scenario. The more experienced nurse came in and checked and said, "Yep, you thought right, nine and a half and plus one." Looking at me, she said, "Let's start trying some practice pushes."
We were ready!!!!!!
Practice pushing is code for real pushing, and about an hour later we had this sweet thing looking back at us.
When I first saw her as the doctor held her up, I said, "She's huge!" My doctor responded, "Yeah, she's a lot bigger than I expected!" Those rolls, my friends, are credited entirely to Blue Bell.
This daddy was so excited! He was jumping up and down and crying and clapping! I just love him.
This picture of Chase reminds me so much of my favorite picture from the night we were engaged. I think it's the relieved peace that comes with knowing the most anxious part is over.
8 pound, 13 ounce Evelyn Elizabeth rocked our world. She was curious and wide-eyed from the get-go, and everyone remarked how alert she was.
SO MUCH more to come, but there's a little lady awake in the other room who needs her momma.
