Tummy Time!

A cute sneeze and a head turn towards the end!

Shes Here!!!!!

After 40 weeks and 4 days of being pregnant, Madison came into this world. We were scheduled for an induction on Thursday May 12th, but that morning while we were getting ready and on the way to the hospital I was beginning to have contractions. Nothing like I had experienced before, so we think she might have come really soon regardless. We arrived at the hospital around 530am and by 630am I was hooked up to everything and the Pitocin was started to help things get going. The doctor came in around 8 and broke my water and we found out that little Mady had her first bowel movement in utero. The nurses assured us it wasn't a big deal, but they had to have the NICU team at the delivery to make sure none of the meconium in the fluid would get inhaled by Mady. We know the chances of anything happening were very low, but just having to hear the term "NICU" wasn't fun. Around 930 the contractions were beginning to increase in frequency and in pain and that's when the epidural was ordered. The doctor came back around noon and checked for progress and much to our surprise the she said, "You're complete!" We were not thinking that! We waited a few minutes to begin the pushing and when it came time to push the contractions of course slowed down. The nurses said that happens a lot, the body thinks all the hard work of getting ready for delivery is over so it slows down. I pushed for about 2 hours, but had 5-6 minute breaks for much of it. Mady was born at 2:55 PM on May 12, 2011. She weighed 7lbs 1oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.

The doctor quickly cut the cord and handed her off to the NICU team who quickly did their job and within a few minutes they gave the all-clear that everything was alright. We were relieved! Mady quickly knew how to feed which was a definite plus and has been eating like a champion ever since. All the nurses thought she wasn't our first baby due to how well she was doing.

We stayed in the hospital until Saturday morning and we were thankful for everyone who visited us there and at home since. Mady doesn't know it yet but she is very loved.  Here are some pictures:

Right after birth!

Mommy and baby meet!

Baby and Dad!

After her first bath! The nurse gave her a mohawk.

First family photo.

Going home!

Home!

The 3 girls of the house!

Her first night!

This was the first outfit we bought after we knew I was pregnant.

Now the new chapter begins!

Tomorrow is the big day!

Month 9...Last picture!

I can't believe it's already here but tomorrow we will be meeting little Madison.  Because of her size and how far I'm already progressed we have decided to induce at 40 weeks and 4 days.  I have progressed nicely and I don't think my doctor thought I would make it to my due date but Madison felt differently as she is way too happy in there!  Like Nick told her, your lease was for nine months and that time is up so now you're being evicted, haha.  Poor baby!

My last day of work before Mady's arrival was Thursday.  I decided to take vacation days that I had to spend some time finishing last minute things and relaxing.  The time off has been great as I was getting tired and it was getting harder to go to work.  I'm really glad I had this time off to relax a little bit because we all know I won't have that soon!  I guess she knew that and was being nice to her mommy by waiting it out!

Our parents are coming in town today so last night was our last night with just the three of us (Me, Nick, and Lucy).  We went out for some dessert and then spent the rest of the night at home.  It's surreal to think soon we'll meet this little person who will forever be the most important thing in our lives.  I'm feeling excited, nervous, anxious and so many other things.  I'm ready for the unknown to be over and know that we have a healthy baby.  We are so lucky to have great family and friends that have been there throughout this journey and will be with us as we start on this new one.  Keep a look out for the next post featuring our baby girl!