BIRTH STORY!

On Wednesday morning, October the 6th, we had a scheduled induction because I was due and we didn't want the baby to get too big before I went into labor on my own.

I was at a 4 when I checked in that morning. They started Pitocin at 7 25 am. I began having strong, painful contractions within a few minutes. I had contractions every 2-3 miutes for about 2 hours and then I got an epidural. I was really nervous about getting one but those contractions sure do make you want to get rid of the pain! And let me tell you...in my opinion, the epidural was sooo worth it! All of my anxiety about giving birth went away right along with the pain. I still had some feeling. When I had contractions it was more like strong pressure than pain. I dilated about 2 cm each hour and was at a 10 by 11 00 am . I pushed for about 15 minutes when my doctor told me he needed to use the vacuum to help her out because he had an emergency to get to next door. It worried me but I honestly felt like since my delivery was going so well, and someone else needed him more, that it would be fine. During one push, the vacuum popped off and the doctor almost fell backwards! It really freaked me out...blood splashing around and everything. It was crazy. The next push she came out and sadly, I tore. I was really hoping I wouldn't and I don't think I would have if we could've taken more time for me to gradually push her out.

As soon as I saw her, tears just streamed down my face. When she came out, they plopped her on my belly and I was just so overwhelmed! I wanted to just hug her and kiss her but I wasn't sure if I was 'allowed' since she was still bloody and everything. I didn't know what to do. I bet my face was looking pretty scared! My mom cut the cord and the nurses whisked my Ella away. She was so so pale and blue and didn't cry for what seemed like forever. I asked the nurses if she was ok but no one would answer me. Tyler hurried over and watched as they put the oxygen mask over her face. It was scary but that was all it took and she began to cry. It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard!

We brought her home yesterday afternoon and introduced her to our 2 dogs, Max (border collie) and Waylon (rat terrier). Waylon definitely understands his place. He is interested in her but keeps a good distance. As soon as she leaves my lap, he jumps right in it. Max is obsessed with her! He won't stop staring at her, even when she's in her bassinet and he can't even see her! If I'm walking around with her, he is following. It's very sweet but we have to keep an eye on him so that he doesn't get too excited around her. They both slept right outside our bedroom door all night long. Our dogs will have to learn how to spend a little more time outside and less in.

Ella Beth is perfectly healthy. 7 pounds, 11 ounces, 19.5 inches long. She is nursing very well, about every 2 hours throughout the day and about every 3 at night. She hardly cries and is so sweet. I am so in love with her!