Lettie Kate Pemberton
January 29, 2010
12:01 am
6 lb 10 oz, 20in
Here's the short story...
My water broke at home on Thursday afternoon around 4pm. No serious contractions were happening so Mike went to get B from daycare while I picked up the house and Mike's dad made his way over. We got to the hospital around 5:45pm - still no laboring/painful contractions so we settled in and said "hi" to our friends and co-workers. Contractions became stronger but bearable around 9p at which time I declined an epidural (knowing that my next opportunity would be around 11p). By 9:30 - 10:00 I was in full labor - contractions with breathing and the whole bit. I definately wanted the epidural when it was available but I felt I was coping well. By 11p I was wondering what I was thinking declining the epidural earlier and told myself that I was either going to be very mad at myself or very proud of myself because I didn't think I would make it to an epidural. Anesthesia was in around 11:30 or so (to the best of my recollection) at which point I know I said a few naughty words during contractions and almost panicked that I wouldn't be able to handle the pain - I had the resident check me to be sure I had time for the epidural - I was 7cm dilated. The anesthesiologist was quick to put in the epidural and give me some medicine but it intially only numbed my right side - and it wasn't quick enough because after I layed down I was 8cm and minutes later (literally, maybe 1 minute) I knew I had to push her out! I was complete and couldn't control the urge had my life depended on it! Unfortunately I didn't get pain relief from the epidural except on the right side of my abdomen but fortunately I only had to push through a few contractions before she was out!!! Such relief!!! She had the umbilical cord around her neck once and was intially quiet but after Mike cut the cord she began to squawk!! What a glorious sound that was!! Because she had a bowel movement inside before she was born, she couldn't go on my belly but went to the warmer at my bedside to be evaluated - she did great and Mike was next to her the entire time. Apgar score = 9/9 (such a good test-taker). We had a long first night/morning - she has a large appetite - with little sleep but we are now feeling rested. We have had some visitors and supportive phone calls - thanks to everyone for the well wishes and thoughts. I will be going home in the morning (Sunday) and can't wait to be a FAMILY!!!
Now for the good stuff....Pictures!!!
Friende and co-worker, Morgan came in on her night off to take care of me! (Yes, she was our nurse for B too!)
Dinner for the new Dad-to-be
Smooch!
No pictures of me in pain....and then...
...here she is!!!
Thanks to Maryrose and Jen!
Getting ready for a bath
First steering wheel :)
Loves to be pampered just like her Mom!
Our awesome labor team -- once again I have no pictures of the docs -- Thank you Dr Sterling and Dr Hansul for helping to get Lettie here safe and sound and to Dr Florido for watching over us the last 10 months!
Miss Lettie Kate Pemberton
Visitors on Friday....Nana...
...Aunt Bridget...
Isn't my headband the cutest? Made by hand by EB and given to Lettie from Morgan see more at her website: Itty Bitty Bows
...Mimi...
...Big Brother Bennett!...
He is so gentle and calm with her! He still seems a little shy and hesitant to touch her but he likes to be close - such a lover!
I can't wait to get home -- I am posting this while sitting in the hospital (Lettie is asleep in her crib next to me). Seeing these pictures of Bennett is just pulling at my heart!
...Papa and GB (Grandma Barb)...
...Tober's...
...Jax and Addi were so great with her -- they are great big cousins!
...Uncle Rich...
"Noses" (We have a tradition to rub noses - started by Mike and B)
On Friday Mike and Mimi came back down with Bennett. I barely received a hug from him because he wanted to "see the baby?"
Impromptu photo shoot
I am so thankful that she made it here safely and she is healthy. Tonight she is eating very well, seems to have gotten over her stinky gas episodes and weighed in at 6lb 4oz.
By the way...the basement is finished too!
This is the first time B saw the carpet...
...it's so soft...
...he ran in circles for 10 minutes!...
...then found his fort "tunnel" under the stairs!
This week we will be adjusting to our new family but, if you know me, will also be for organizing the basement and setting up B's play area -- I can't wait!!!!
Love to all of our friends and family and your support during our pregnancy...we can't wait for everyone to meet her!!!
Love,
Mike, Katie, Bennett and Lettie
