Paisley Cate

We are so happy to have her finally here. She arrived on Monday, July 20 at 12:58 pm. She weighed 5lbs 14oz and measured 19 inches long.

We weren't planning on her coming until Tuesday, but my dr called at 7:15 Monday morning and thought we were coming in then. When I told him we were planning for the next day, he gave us the option of coming in on Monday anyway and I wasn't about to pass that up. We got to the hospital around 9:15 and my dr checked me [still at a 3 :( ] and broke my water around 10:30. I got my epidural (no, I didn't sign up for the pain, I was doing this as easily as possible - I learned that after trying to go without on the first two) at 11:15 and just sat back and let nature do it's thing. My nurse came in to check me a little after 12 and said I was at an 8 and she would if I felt like I needed to be checked again, to let her know. About 5 minutes later she was back and said she needed to check me again - surprise - I was ready. She called my dr and told him to run over (he was across the street at his office) I was ready to deliver. 3 contractions later she arrived - cord wrapped tightly around her neck, but tiny and perfect. We are especially thankful for our dr to monitor us both so closely, he said it was a good thing we got her out - her cord was really small (about the size of a plastic straw) and wasn't sure if she would have continued to thrive if she was left until the due date.

She is such a sweet baby and really doesn't cry. She has been sleeping at night for 3-4 hours at a time (thank goodness for that!!) and has taken to nursing like a champ. The kids all love her and want to hold her all the time. Caleb is only interested for a few minutes at a time, Luke is fascinated with her and Maddie and Haylee want to be her other moms. They have all been such great helpers - I hope it continues after David goes back to work tomorrow. I have been given strict instructions to not clean, cook or drive for at least 2 weeks - I might make it one, but it's great to have helpers who are capable of doing a lot.

Baby Update

I just got home from the Dr and we are set for Tuesday's induction. I have made enough progress that I don't have to report to the hospital until Tuesday am at 5 - I don't think I have ever had to be somewhere so early. I guess it's good that I haven't been able to sleep past 5 the last 4 days. Unless something happens before then, I will probably be posting information and pictures by Thursday or Friday. Wish me luck in a quick and painless labor and delivery.

Another Baby Update

So, I have been pretty much on bedrest for the last week - I had to get permission to attend my brother-in-law's viewing and funeral (still doesn't seem real and such a tragic loss). I had another non-stress test on Monday and things looked really good. Yesterday I had to have an ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid level and a bio-physical profile (they look for movement, breathing, heart rate, etc.). Today was a visit with the dr. Not making as much progress as I have in other pregnacies, but am making a little. Set for another NST on Monday, ultrasound and dr appt on Thursday and delivery on Tuesday (7/21). I can't believe that we are down to 12 days before we get to hold this little one in our arms. I thought that I was really prepared, but now I have to take care of all the last minute things - and doing it from bed is not very easy. It's a good thing I have a great husband who is willing to help so much (even though he says he's telling people I think I am the Queen of Sheba) - he has really stepped up and taken over where I can't. Thanks to everyone who has helped me out so far - even the long distance phone calls and chatting have really helped keep my spirits up. Wish me luck over the next 1 1/2 weeks to keep my sanity and to let the little things go.