Blueberry Patch: Welcome to the World, Sophie Lila!

You arrived today! I can't believe you're finally here!

We arrived at the hospital yesterday afternoon. Mama's blood pressure was doing funny things, and the doctor had said that once we passed 37 weeks if it went funny they would induce me. On Saturday I noticed my blood pressure was going up again, but I decided to wait to call the doctor Sunday morning because I knew our doctor would be on call that day (and my blood pressure wasn't high enough to panic about).

I woke up during the night and realized that my cell phone wasn't charging. I was beside myself. Between lack of sleep, hormones, and anxiety about knowing what was to come, I pretty much lost it. Mommy was awesome, though. She helped me calm down, had me check my blood pressure, then said we would go to the Sprint store to get a new phone before we called the doctor. The girl at the Sprint Store was moving so slooowwwlllyyy. I thought I was going to die. At one point she asked "what are you guys going to do today?" I wanted to say "HAVING
A BABY, so hurry it up!" But I didn't. :)

We went home, made some lunch, and I called the doctor. She suggested we head in to the hospital - "but you don't have to rush here," she said. That made me feel better about our decision to wait to call. We got our stuff together and headed to the hospital (new cell phone in hand).

Once we arrived at the hospital (around 2 p.m.) they checked me out and said that while I didn't have preeclampsia, my blood pressure was elevated, and I was already having contractions (which I couldn't feel). The decision was made to admit me and start me on pitocin. The time had come!! I was so excited!

They got us moved into a labor and delivery room and got the pitocin going. I hated being hooked up to an IV, but I was happy we were on our way. They increased the pitocin every thirty minutes and every time they checked I had progressed further and further. Everything was going great - I wasn't feeling any pain (even though the monitor was saying I was having really strong contractions) until they decided to break my water around midnight and continue to increase the pitocin. Mommy was awesome through all of it. She took such good care of me (and you!) and made sure I had everything I needed. Our nurse, Sarah, was awesome as well. Before you were born we had discussed having a doula there, but I decided against it. Sarah ended up basically filling that role. She was there almost the entire time and was awesome at talking both Mommy and me through everything. We were lucky to have her.

Around 3 a.m. I decided I needed something for the pain and mommy helped get an epidural set up. The first one didn't work, so I had a second one which worked like a charm. I started pushing around 4:30 and you arrived at 5:58. Our doctor was just about to end her shift, so I'm glad you decided to make your appearance in time! :)

You weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 1/2 inches long! You came out wailing...and wailing...and wailing. Eventually your cries turned into squeaks which everyone got a kick out of. You cried so much I thought you might never stop - seems you didn't like being out in the world just yet. Mommy cut the cord and we both got to cuddle you until you calmed down. They weighed and measured you and gave you your first bath. Mommy kept a good eye on everything they were doing. She was such a good support to both of us.

You are beautiful, little girl. We love you and are so glad that you have joined our family!

PS - Here are just a few pictures from your first day -