Life's Precious Memories: birth

When I have woken up for the past week I have felt like it is Christmas morning! You know that feeling of anticipation and excitement for what the day will bring. The excitement of giving the perfect gift to your kids, or the anticipation of what might be lying under the tree for you?

Well, that is the exact feeling that Ava has brought me everyday! I am so excited to wake up in the morning because I know I have a new little baby to love. I even have that feeling when she wakes up in the middle of the night...I am excited that I get to love and hold her, without anyone else to bother me. It is dark and quiet, and I can dream about her life that is to come. I love that she molds into my shoulder and cuddles me. I love that she smells so amazing (you know the newborn smell). I love that she looks at me with her bright eyes and needs me. I love kissing her neck, cheeks, lips....anywhere I can (you can only do that with your own baby). I love the smell of her baby breath. I even love the smell of her poopy diapers! I think I might be a little obsessed? All of these things translate to such an adrenaline rush for me...I just love my little Ava.

As I left the hospital last week, I was almost depressed. Knowing that I will most likely never have that moment again...the amazing experience of bringing a life into this world. Or, the peace and quiet of sitting in a hospital bed with my new little baby. Not a care in the world, just me and a beautiful baby. Don't get me wrong, I don't love going through labor...but I love the reward, and the experience....especially when it is over!

Maybe it is because she is my last, so I feel like I have to cherish every minute with her. I don't even care if my house is clean, laundry done, or beds are made. I just want to hold her tight because I know that she will grow so fast. I am so grateful that I can be a mom!

So, now a little more about the day Ava was born. I was induced (of course) in the morning. When I had Braden my epidural didn't work, so I was determined to stay on top of my pain and have a better labor this time. I got my epidural early this time. I was only feeling my contractions a little. The epidural is my least favorite part. I have a hard time with a large needle going into my spine, and then the sensations that come with it - such as the elastic pop, and the electric shock that goes down your leg! Not so fun. But it seemed to work, so I was relieved.

It worked however, until I was at a 6. I started feeling my contractions so I immediately pushed the button to give me more medicine. It didn't work! After 10 minutes, I pushed the button again....no luck! I looked at Brandon and said "I don't want to do it like this again!" But I knew there was no turning back. So, I tried to prepare for the pain to come. I do not know how you women that have natural childbirth do it. It is not fun! I progressed really fast, and kept telling my nurse that she needed to call the doctor (in between my cries and moans). She was not in any hurry....so by the time the doctor did get there I had been doing all I could not to push!

The doctor did finally arrive, and after congratulating me and changing his shoes (what?), decided I was serious. I wonder what gave him a clue - maybe my screams of "she is coming, please hurry?" Lets just say pushing a 9 lb 2 oz, 22 inch long baby out naturally really HURTS!! Now I know why women scream, swear, cry, etc. when giving birth! As soon as Ava was here, the doctor said..."wow, she really is big!" I had been trying to convince him for the last few weeks that I was having a big baby and he needed to induce me early....but he didn't seem to believe me! Too late now! She was perfect and I was so relieved to have her here. It always amazes me when they come out with all their fingers and toes, a perfect head, two arms and legs...such a miracle! We are so glad she is here.