Yesterday did not start off quite like any other day. Soon after Eric had just gone off to work, I started having moderate-intense contractions. Friday morning I had experienced some of this, which turned out to be false labor, so I really doubted myself if this could be the real thing. Around 9
ish, I could barely walk, and I had a hard time taking care of the boys. Poor Everett kept asking me if my belly hurt. I think I was making him nervous! I talked to Eric and kept telling him it was nothing. I called my friend Sally Ann and asked her to come over as soon as possible so I could figure some things out. She was there within 10 minutes. I then called the doctor's office, explained everything and they got me an appointment within the hour. I left the
house thinking I would be back soon. On the way to the office the contractions intensified and when the doctor checked me I was 4cm and 70% effaced. He advised me to get to the hospital quickly as I was definitely in labor. I then called Eric and told him to meet me at the hospital. Once I got there, he arrived within minutes.
Yesterday I turned 37 weeks. I delivered both Everett and Hampton the day I turned 37 weeks. I guess there is some switch in my body that knows it is time when each baby is then full-term. We all thought this labor was going to be quick since last year Hampton was born under 2 hours. This labor was different however as my water did not break on its own and it took me longer to
dilate. In fact, I labored with Everett for 8 hours, Hampton for 2, and Eleanor close to 9 hours! She just took her time. In fact, I ended up having to get a second
epidural since my first wore off; however right when the
anesthesiologist finished
taping me up, I was ready to push. I pushed for close to 9 minutes and then she was out! She arrived at 3:50pm.
She is a pretty pink color and has a head of curly black hair.
It looks like she is waving here.
Sweet girl weighs 6 pounds 5 ounces (same as Hampton's weight) and is 19 inches long. She looked so petite I had guessed around 5 pounds. Still a healthy weight since she was 3 weeks early.
She nursed right before we went up to the mother/baby unit. She did great!
I love this girl!
Right before we left the delivery room.
Last night Eleanor slept great. She woke up in the middle of the night and nursed for about 40
minutes. Other than that she slept completely through the night. Unfortunately I was not able to sleep. I guess it was the
adrenaline or hormones, or both but I barely slept all night. Today has been going well as well. She nurses every 3 hours for about 30 minutes each session. She is doing great with that and I am so proud of her. She saw her
pediatrician today as well and is healthy thus far. Praying she can discharge tomorrow. More updates to come, but we are in heaven with this sweet girl.
Gail, Everett, and Hampton came to see us this morning! Hampton and Everett had very different reactions to their sister. Hampton went crazy yelling "baby, baby, baby" and wanting to hold her/kiss her/squeeze her. Everett was very unsure. He said things such as "she not going to get me" and "I not scared of her." He also kept insisting we put her back to her crib and asking me to get out of bed. He will warm up to her though. I think he was just confused by the whole situation.
Hampton is now a big brother too!
Our family of five. I am in a bit of shock at the amount of children we have now. Going from two to three kids does make a difference. Eric and I are now officially outnumbered!
Eleanor already loves her Gigi.
Eleanor in her first pair of pajamas. I have a feeling we will be wearing a lot of these in weeks to come as we hibernate at home.
Modeling one of her hair bows. She has a milk mouth here!
She is already a daddy's girl. I just love that.
Today other than visiting with the boys this morning, we have had a low key day. She nurses about every 3 hours. We ordered lunch from Jimmy Johns. We watched television. We napped occasionally. We have had a nice day. Now praying we have a restful night. More to come I'm sure!
