Extreme Joy

So our little bundle has finally arrived! On Monday March 17th I woke up to signs that it was the day. My water had broken. We quickly drove to the hospital, excited and anxious. I was surprised that I was going into labor on my actual due date. That rarely ever happens. The statistics are very low that you will actually deliver on your due date.

They started me on Pitocin immediately and labor began. After about 5 hours of labor, they decided to do an ultrasound. The labor was uncomfortable at best, but not unmanageable. After the ultrasound they guessed that my baby might weigh up to 10 lbs. Doctors were concerned about her size. My doctor recommended that I have a c-section. It was scarry to think of going into surgery. It was especially scarry since I have never been in the hospital as an adult, and

have never had surgery before.

The c-section was quick, at least the first part of it. It was a matter of minutes before the baby was delivered. They brought her around so that I could see her. Then they took her to a table to assess her and clean her up. I could see the whole process as I looked over my shoulder. She was pink and had chubby little cheeks. Upon weighing her, they found that she wasn't 10 lbs., but 8 lbs. 12 oz. So their original assessment was incorrect. It didn't matter at the time though. She was there and healthy and that's all that counts.

Luigi got to hold our Isabella for the first time. He brought her up to me so that I could see her. I stroked her cheek and told her I loved her. Then he was allowed to take the baby out in the hall to greet her Papa, Mae Mae, Auntie Lynne, and Uncle Jonathan who were all waiting in the hall. Luigi got to take some pictures while they cleaned her up and while everyone got to hold her in the hall.

I can't believe how amazing motherhood is. It is exciting and fullfilling yet at the same time scarry. I can't believe I am a mom. I can't believe that I have such an amazing and beautiful child. I can't believe the feeling that I have when I look at my husband and realize that we are now a family. No longer just the two of us, but now it is three.

So that is my baby story. Isabella and mommy are doing well. We were able to come home on Thursday and are so happy to be home. Isabella is a wonderful child. So far she is very quiet and happy. I can't help but stare at her in awe. That's it for now, hope everyone is happy and healthy.

Melanie