WELCOME BABY EISLEY!!!

The moment you've all been waiting for... Here's Eisley!

Sorry it's taken a little longer than expected to get these posted. It really has been quite busy around here. And hopefully I can get some better pics--which my sisters took--posted soon!

Eisley Kate was born on Thursday, March 12 at 2:29 p.m. I knew I was going to be induced that day if she didn't come on her own by then, but I wasn't expecting the hospital to call us at 5:15 a.m. and tell us to be there in 45 min. They started me on pitocin around 9 a.m. and since I knew I would eventually get an epidural I figured, why suffer? So as soon as the contractions started getting the least bit painful (around 11 a.m.) I asked for the epidural--of which I am now a HUGE fan. From there on out it was smooth sailing. The epidural worked perfectly and I must admit that I actually felt guilty that it was so easy. The only "complication" was that Eisley's heart rate kept dipping significantly with every contraction. When I was ready to push the doctor said, "who wants to place bets on how many times the cord is wrapped around her neck." (Not something I wanted to hear... wasn't a huge fan of this doctor!) As you can imagine, I felt pressured to get her out as quickly as I could, and as a result, I only pushed three times, a total of about 8 min. When she came out, we discovered that the cord wasn't wrapped around her neck after all, which was a relief. The doc said it was just a really dinky cord, whatever that means. The doc. earned more points with me when he lifted Eisley up bottom first; I didn't even see her face until after they weighed, measured and cleaned her. She was quite subdued, only releasing several small cries (she has the cutest little raspy cry). When they finally placed her in my anxious arms emotion overcame me and I balled like... well, like a baby. Now, you may think me cruel, but I really thought she was funny looking. Her forehead and nose were really swollen and she looked like a boy--like her Dad, actually (not that he's funny looking). But from the first minutes of life her sweet, calm spirit left a strong impression on me, and more than any of my other children, I felt an almost instant bond with Eisley. And, I no longer think she is funny looking. Her looks changed a lot in the first 24 hrs. and even more since then. She actually looks a LOT like Emma's baby pictures and we all know how cute she turned out.

Of course, there are always difficult moments when adjusting to a new baby, but my experience so far has been MUCH more positive than in the past (truly an answer to prayers)! This, I know, is due to all of you who have been praying for us and who've brought meals and other sentiments, and mostly due to the constant assistance of my mom. I don't know what I'll do without her. But it also helps that Eisley is just a really good baby. Since the day she was born, Eisley has only woken up once at night to nurse, and is in general such a good natured baby. We've had some issues with eating. She seems to get gassy VERY easily and spits up significantly at each feeding; if you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Ready or not...

Yesterday at my doctors appointment I had only progressed to a 2, but hey, at least it was progress! The doc stripped my membranes and arranged for me to be induced on Thursday. It was SOOO scary for me to make the decision to be induced; I know it's silly to most of you, but I really just don't like the idea. So, I decided to do everything I could to get this baby to come before Thursday. After a nice late night walk at Target, we got the girls to bed and I started feeling sick. Mostly I just had a really bad headache, but long story short, I couldn't fall asleep until like 1 a.m. Then I awoke at around 4 a.m. (not to mention the 5 bathroom visits in between 1 and 4) to some pretty painful contractions. These felt nothing like the braxton hicks contractions I've been having for 4 months, so I thought maybe this was the real deal. I started to panic a little because I still didn't feel very good and I was SO tired (not prepared to go through labor), so I tried to sleep through them as long as I could. Luckily they remained about 10 minutes apart and I was actually able to get a little rest.
I woke up around 6 a.m. to go to the bathroom and had the "bloody show" so I went and told Dan we were having a baby today. My contractions were still like 8 minutes apart so I thought things would speed up if I got up and started getting ready. No such luck! The contractions STOPPED! I'm so confused. Every time I lay down they start up, but when I get up they stop (I thought it was supposed to be the other way around). I guess if they don't start up again today I'll just go in tomorrow and get induced anyway. At least this experience helps me feel like she really is ready to come and I feel a lot more at ease with the idea of getting induced.

:: THIS is EISLEY ::

Thanks to everyone who voted on my name poll (there's still time left if you haven't done so yet)! I'm surprised and very pleased that so many people like the name Eisley; I wasn't sure how it would be recieved since it isn't one you hear everyday. Many of you have asked where I got the name from in the first place. Well, it's actually the name of one of my favorite bands (that my very COOL sister Meg introduced me to). Here are some of my favorite songs of their's.

Oh, and in case you're curious, the top runner for the baby's name is Eisley Kate!





(This is the best recording I could find on YouTube; sorry it's not that great, but I LOVE the song)

7 DAYS LEFT.... or so I hope!

Well, most of you know how anxious I've been for this baby to come. I was SO sure she would be early since I've been having contractions since the beginning of my FIFTH month! But it seems it's just not my luck. At my doctors appointment today I was still only dilated 1 centimeter, and I've somewhat given up on my dream of going early. I suppose it could still happen, but considering I went a week LATE with both my other girls, I'll be happy just to go on time this time! So, cross your fingers for me!

P.S. I was so worried the baby had turned again and there was also some concern about her movements slowing down, but all is well and she's still head down! That was such a relief; we are SO blessed!!!