Jane Marie was born August 1st at 4:43 pm. She weighed 7lbs. 14oz. She is so beautiful and precious! When they put her in my arms, I cried and cried. It was the first baby that I could actually enjoy the moment because the epidural worked! Not only was I happy that she was healthy and finally here, but I thought of all the people who helped get her here safely. I thought of all the prayers the kids have said for her. I thought of Alisha coming (as a newlywed no less!) all the way down to help me for a week. I thought of Mom driving 20 hours to make sure I didn't lift anything when we moved (and then 20 hours again for baby!) I thought of Josh cramming in a little car with 5 strangers to get to Boise. I could go on and on. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
The whole labor was an answer to prayers. It was my easiest yet! A few weeks ago, Dr. Minge asked when I wanted to be induced. I was surprised, especially because I didn't have a big reason to, but I was all for it. It was so nice to know when I was going to have her. Then I could tell mom when to come.
Wednesday morning I woke up early. I didn't sleep great because I was so excited and nervous. It was weird to feel her kick and think that I would be holding those little feet in a few hours!
My I.V. was one of the worst parts. I almost passed out. Braydan had to fan me and the nurse made me smell rubbing alcohol until I felt better. But, after that the day was good. We watched the Olympics, walked around the halls a million times. My nurse was so awesome. She let me do what I want. I ordered breakfast and lunch, unlike my other kids where I starved on ice chips. She encouraged me to move a lot, even though it was more work for her, hooking me on and off the monitors.
They kept upping the pitocen throughout the day and I really started feeling painful contractions around 2. I finally asked for the epidural and it's a good thing! The epidural took a while and the anesthesiologist said he had to give me as much as a C-section patient! No wonder the epidurals didn't work for me in the past! This doc was awesome. He stayed in my room and kept testing me to make sure it was working. Bless him.
Not long after he left, I felt ready to push! Sure enough, nurse checked me and said I was ready. It only took me 3 contractions and she was out! Wahoo!
Then the recovery. Man, I hate the recovery process. The epidural wears off, pain kicks in, I feel like I'm going to bleed to death, never walk or sit normal again, nursing kills, and no sleep on top of it all.
But, she is oh so worth it! Mom brought the kids got to see her Wednesday night. Kaleb kept saying I can't believe she is finally here! Braydan was so amazing through all of it. Changing every diaper, helping me get up, getting me whatever I needed, sleeping in a horrible chair for two nights.
I could tell he wanted to leave Thursday, but I asked for one more day and now I'm not sure why. I sleep better in my own bed and nurses can't bug you all night. I think I was scared to go home and face real life. I was enjoying forgetting everything except kissing baby and getting better. Thursday night we got to eat our celebration dinner. This hospital was different than the last two! They fed us awesome, I got to soak in a jacuzi tub, and they gave me a complimentary massage Friday morning.
I'm really sad I have no pictures of me with baby! I will have work on that.
Baby Jane, we are so happy you are here! I'll have to write about your first week home later . . .
