Beginnings

 

 

::14 hour before baby’s arrival::

 

 

Thursday night Ben and I went out for our last “date night” together before baby number four was going to arrive. We decided on sushi {the cooked kind for me, of course} and afterward some frozen yogurt. I was so exhausted and anxious for the coming day, so we were home by 9:30pm, and in bed by 10:30.

::Classic pose we have with each of my pregnant bellies::

 

I swear I didn’t sleep for more than an hour Thursday night. I kept waking up and would look at the clock to see if it was worth it to roll over and get more sleep or just to wake up and get ready. I was up before the alarm went off, and was in the shower by 4am. We were to leave the house no later than 5:15, for our check-in time at the hospital was 5:30am.

:: Last picture of me and my big belly!!! ::

 

We arrived at the hospital, yada yada yada. I get checked in, undressed, iv started, monitors in place, medical history questions asked, waiting waiting waiting. Find out we have to wait even longer due to an emergency c-section. Yada, yada yada. Finally it’s time to get wheeled into the operation room. Wait a minute? Don’t I have to drink that nasty drink I keep complaining about and have dreaded for the past 9 months?? I mean, if they forget, I sure as heck ain’t gonna remind them! Kudo’s to my anesthesiologist for not “ordering” me that sweet elixir! That just made my day so much better!

The procedure went as planned. I was in good hands at all times. My OB is a wonderful doctor, I enjoyed the anesthesiologist, and the nurse who assisted during surgery and later on stitched me up has been there for each delivery of my children. Seriously, I remember him, because this is the conversation we have every.single.time. No joke.

Nurse: So, where are you from?

Me: Idaho

Nurse: Oh yeah? Are you a Mormon?

Me: I am.

Nurse: Oh yeah? I used to be one. Ask me a question only a Mormon would know.

Every time we have had this conversation. He talked a lot, was extremely funny, and everyone teased him for having “fish” stories. When I told Ben about it later on while I was in recovery, he put two and two together and realized my nurse was David Hester, an avid fisherman around here. Ben was super bummed he wasn’t able to share fishing stories with him, but later on that day did talk to him on the phone and planned a fishing trip with him.

::Waiting for the baby to be born::

 

:: It’s a girl! ::

8lbs 2 oz

 

 

While they are stitching me up, they clean up baby Parleigh and brought her to me.

:: Picture taken by the anesthesiologist …he couldn’t wait to get a hold of our camera! ::

 

I was then wheeled into recovery where I stayed for an hour. Ben went up to the nursery where they were giving Parleigh a bath and checking her vitals. He then came down and we “goofed” around trying to make the time go faster so I could be with Parleigh.

 

It was now time to head on up to my room. We made a quick stop at the nursery to see my baby girl. [I don’t think the nursery nurses were too happy about my big hospital bed being wheeled into the room. Oh well, I was just happy to see my baby!]

:: holding Parleigh in the nursery ::

 

I wish I could say that I got some rest at this point, but it is so exciting having a new baby to hold in my arms. And now it was time for visitors to come and meet the new baby!

 

:: Parleigh’s Grandma aka Grandma Fe ::

:: Parleigh’s Great Grandma aka Granny ::

:: Parleigh’s Grandpa aka PaPaw ::

 

:: Parleigh’s Grandma aka MaMaw ::

:: Parleigh’s Aunt Ester ::

 

I love these next pictures of when Parker, Preston, and Paisley meet their new sister. Words cannot describe the feeling that was in the room when they saw Parleigh for the first time. These pictures somewhat capture the moment; it was truly amazing the love that we all could feel with the bond that only siblings have.

 

I’m thinking that this is a long enough post for now. I have plenty more to share. Thank you for sharing in our first day together as a family of 6.