It's only fair that our newest family member has her birth story captured on our blog :) It's always been nice to go back and look at the other girls stories and pictures so easily.
She was due on December 24th so we were all anxious for her arrival and to find out if she would come before or after or even on Christmas. My mom got here on the 19th, so we were basically ready anytime after that. On Monday night (21st) we had a false alarm. Andrew and I went to the hospital because I was having regular contractions. With Molly I didn't have time for an epidural so I wanted to make sure we got to the hospital in time if this was the real deal. They checked me and still at 3cm and 50% (had been that way for a couple of weeks). They had us stay in triage for a couple of hours to see if there were any changes. When they checked again there was no change so we got sent home. We kind of hoped they would just induce me since I was already 39 weeks. But I guess induction policies have gotten stricter and unless there is a medical emergency they aren't supposed to do it until after 40 weeks. The next day (Tuesday, 22nd) I had a dr's appointment and they stripped my membranes. The midwife was certain I would have the baby "any day" but I asked to schedule an induction for once I was 40 weeks just in case. Because of Christmas, the soonest the hospital had an opening was Monday, December 28th so we scheduled it.
Monday morning came and I was still pregnant so we got ready to head into the hospital.
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| Last picture with just three girls |
We got there around 8. They set us up in our room and got the IV started. They started pitocin around 9. Then it kind of hit us that we didn't really bring anything to do and didn't pack any snacks for Andrew. So Andrew went to the gas station nearby and got some snacks and couple of redbox movies. The midwife on duty, Jennifer, came in to check me around 10 and I was 4cm. Around 10:30 I was getting more uncomfortable so we asked for the epidural because I wanted to make sure I got it this time! My nurse, Crissy, was the best! She was so nice and accommodating and really was looking out for me and anticipating my needs knowing that I'm not the type that will really speak up. Anesthesiologist came in around 11 for the epidural and by the time he got there I was really starting to feel bad contractions so it was perfect timing. Midwife came in to to check me again at 11:30 (5cm) and broke my water. The epidural was working really well and I was able to take a nap for about an hour but woke up to a lot of pressure around 12:30. Didn't really think it could be time to push so I just brushed it off and had Andrew put the movie back on to take my mind off of it. But by about 1:00 I knew I needed to say something. Midwife was nowhere to be found so my nurse checked and said I was ready to push. She got everything set up and the midwife came in just in time to have me push through 2 contractions and sweet beautiful little Annabelle was born at 1:13 pm. Her shoulders got stuck at one point and they jumped on my stomach to get her out, I was not expecting that! As soon as they laid her on my chest all I could think of was how tiny she looked. Her little legs were so skinny compared to my other babies. Then they put her on the scale and we saw she was 8lb12oz (and 19 1/2 inches long). Basically a half pound smaller than the other girls. She is so perfect and we just love her so much. I feel so grateful to have 4 healthy little girls!
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| Wendy's Picnic :) |
Needless to say she is getting plenty of love from her big sisters! For the most part she is a content baby. She started to get pretty fussy around 2 1/2 weeks, squirming a lot and having a hard time burping. We tried a few different formulas and bottles and I think now she's got it figured out. She eats 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours and she sleeps for about 3 hours at a time. She likes to take baths and is actually our first baby who likes being in her carseat. I think she knows it's a safe place to be! She hates having her diaper changed and has the loudest scream/cry and sometimes she even sounds like a goat so she's been affectionately nicknamed "baby goat" :) The girls also call her AnnieBelle, AnnaBelly, SweetieBelle, and Princess Lovey.
Molly is especially anxious to be able to play with her. She hovers over her swing while she's sleeping waiting for her to wake up. Eleanor seems to have the magic touch and Annabelle is so calm while Eleanor holds her. I think the newborn phase is coming to an end which is always bittersweet and Annabelle is becoming much more aware of her surroundings. She has smiled a couple of times intentionally and I love how she stares at me and studies my face. Such a sweet little baby. We really love her!
