Hopes and Dreams: A Baby Story

This'll be short and sweet. Because my labor and delivery with Ryleigh was the fastest of my three babies. It was pretty amazing.

So here goes...

On Tuesday morning, May 18th, Andy and I headed to the hospital at about 6:15. We checked in at 6:30. I got changed into my attractive hospital gown, peed in a cup, and weighed myself. I'll keep that precious little number to myself. =)

A couple of nurses got me hooked up to the fetal monitor, put in my IV, and asked me a million questions. I got a little nauseous when they put the IV in which is normal for me. I am NOT a fan of needles! I never even actually looked at it, but I still got really lightheaded. Yuck.

And then I sat there and waited. My doctor was supposed to come and break my water and it felt like it took FOREVER for her to get there. I was getting so impatient. I kept thinking that the later she got there the later my baby would be born. And I just wanted to get the show on the road!!!

So my nurse started me on pitocin at 7:45. And then my doctor finally showed up at 8 and broke my water. She said that I was dilated to a 4. My contractions became strong, regular and painful almost right away. I wasted no time asking for the epidural and I had that at 8:30. (right around this time my sister called to say that she was leaving the cities and was on her way to the hospital)

A short time later the nurse checked me (I don't remember the exact time) and said that I was dilated to a 6 or 7. She asked if I typically progress pretty quickly and I said yes. She said she was going to call my doctor and have her come back to the hospital so that she wouldn't miss anything. I was thinking, "Are you serious?" Even I was amazed at how fast things were going.

So when my dr got back she checked me again and said I was about a 9. This was probably at about 9:40 or so. And my sister wasn't there yet and I was starting to get nervous that she was going to miss it because I was beginning to feel lots of pressure.

Dr B went and changed her clothes and when she came back I was fully dilated. She asked me to breathe through a contraction or two. And then my sister showed up!!!

And then, I NEEDED TO PUSH. My bottom felt like it was on fire. I started to push and it hurt so bad that tears came to my eyes. And I was thinking, "I really need her to come quickly because I don't know how long I can do this."

Two contractions and five minutes later Ryleigh Adele was born at 9:59!!! I was absolutely stunned and majorly relieved. Andy and my sister couldn't believe how fast she had been born. It was unbelievable. Andy just kept saying, "Wow!"

Ryleigh's face was very bruised and they said it was because she came so fast. 24 hours later her little face already looked much improved and within a couple days the bruising was all gone. She is a perfect, healthy, beautiful baby and we are SO thankful!!!

If you'll recall, I had some issues with my bottom when T was born. And I did not have those issues this time! My recovery has truly gone so well. I just feel like God has been so good and gracious to me in every aspect of my labor and delivery with Ryleigh. Thank you, Jesus!

Here are a couple of Fun Facts for you:
* I was induced with all three of my babies.

* With Lily they broke my water at 7 am and she was born at 11:27 am.
She weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.

* With Taylor they broke my water at about 7 am and he was born at 12:42 pm.
He weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 21 inches long.

* With Ryleigh they broke my water at 8 am and she was born at 9:59 am.
She weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long.

* All three of my babies were born on a Tuesday!

Here are a few photos from Ryleigh's birthday. Enjoy!