In other news. . .

Welcome Baby Elizabeth "Ellie" Anne! When I first took the pregnancy test back in September and got out my little "due date" wheel, I said to Mike, "You've got to be kidding. Guess what day she's due? June 4th. Our anniversary." My midwife predicted May 28th at first and then pushed me back to June 11th. I knew she would come June 4th, only because I am not good at sharing. But what can I say? It was the best anniversary present ever.

Warning: Long Birth Story. Scroll down for more pictures.

On Friday at about 2:00 p.m. I was working on making a card for Mike when I started to feel some serious discomfort. And this serious discomfort came at regular intervals. After about an hour of this, and as I was beginning to talk to myself during contractions ("Ohh. Ohh. It's fine. Everything is fine. Just fine.") I decided to call Mike--he didn't answer because he was already on his way home (early Friday!) so I called Shirley to take the girls. I called her between contractions and I felt kind of silly, "I think I'm in labor, but I'm not sure. Would you come and take the girls?" 

Mike pulled up right as I started to freak out about what time he said he would be home. 

I greeted him in the middle of a contraction, "HI! I THINK WE SHOULD GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW."

Shirley pulled up soon after and Mike and I threw a few things in the van and headed to the hospital.

On the way there I called my mom to cancel her babysitting the girls that night. Mike and I had planned to go to dinner. She laughed because I had told her that it would be funny if Ellie came on June 4. She was up in Logan with Alisha and her new baby and told us to keep her informed.

I tried to relax as we drove, but I felt a little panicked by the strength of the contractions. I really had no desire to give birth in a vehicle. None. Especially our new van. Mike sped a little (which he never does) and we made it to the hospital at 4:00 p.m.

They never believe I'm really in labor when I check in. Last time they sent me to sit in a chair and my water broke in the waiting room. 33 minutes later Hannah was born. This time they made Mike wait while they took me into a regular room to check my dilation. I had a hard time getting dressed in the gown, since my contractions were getting pretty hefty.  The nurse came in, checked me and asked how long my other labors were. "From the first contraction? Or from the time I got to the hospital? I guess about 6 hours and 4 hours."

"Well," Laurel, the nurse, said, "This one will probably be shorter. You're at an 8/9." 

Marvelous. They walked me back to the birthing rooms and Mike was waiting for me.  I had called my midwife, Mari, on the way there, so she was on alert, but she waited until the nurse called to tell her how far along I was. So she was still 20 minutes out. They called another doctor just in case.

I don't do epidurals (umm a needle in my back that makes it so I can't move my legs? No thank you. I'll take contractions). My water still hadn't broke and I wondered how long that would take. Laurel really wanted to draw my blood and put in a hep-cap. I really didn't want one. She was just getting ready to do it when I had a really powerful contraction, so she just dropped it.

Mike and Laurel helped me get through the contractions by putting pressure on my hips and helping me remember to breathe. Some guy dressed in scrubs ran into the room (the just in case doctor), "Hi." Just then Mari walked in. Phew. I wasn't really excited about some guy I never met delivering my baby.

Mari geared up and they made me lie in bed in the stirrups. Not a fan. With Hannah I delivered on my hands and knees in the bed. I like that much better. Mari asked if it was okay to break my water and I considered it, but Mike said no, I'd rather not. I'm glad he did. We've talked about how if we're going to go natural, we'll do it all the way, no water breaking either, but I was wavering in the face of the contractions. I asked how much longer it would take and could I please stand up?

Mari said it would only take a few more minutes for my water to break. I stood up, gave a little push and my water broke. (sorry about your shoes Mike.)

I laid back down, pushed twice (it is so wonderful when the head finally comes out) and I had Ellie at 4:54 p.m. Here's some more pics for you Grandma!

Here she is!

She's 20 inches long and 7 pds 13 oz.

We're so happy she's here!

The whole family! ("What's in your tummy still, mommy? What is it?")

Hannah was so excited to hold baby Ellie. She's been taking care of her dolls all day. She named them Baby Elizabeth too.

Kenzie has been so sweet with Ellie. She just wants to help. I know it will be a huge adjustment for both girls, but for now we're doing alright.