Brooklynn is here!

Brooklynn Marie Hardy was born on May 13, 2014 at 4:59 pm. Her arrival was easy, and mom couldn't have asked for anything more. I was induced again, as with Bennett. Ryan and I woke up at 4am, called the hospital to make sure there was enough room- and we were on our way so we could arrive by 5! By the time we checked in and got my IV going, it was almost 7. They had to stick my 3 times...I would say again, the IV was the worst part of the whole labor. My doc. started me on Pitosen, I felt little cramps but nothing big. I was only a 2 when I was admitted. By 12ish, I was a 4.5 and feeling substantial contractions- and I knew my doc. was coming soon to break my water. I decided to get my epidural before he came b/c I knew the contractions would be steady and strong as soon as that happened- and I didn't want to deal with that! Who would, right!? My edpidural was painless and worked great. Shortly after my doc. arrived and broke my water. This was around 1:30. Then things really started to happen. We could see my contractions on the monitor, however I couldn't feel anything. At 4, I was starting to feel light headed and wanted some juice or calories to settle my tummy. I hadn't eaten anything since 4:30am (besides the cheese-its Ryan would sneak me when the nurses were out of the room!) The nurse checked me and I was fully dilated. I could feel the pressure at that point and knew it was time. I got the shakes a little bit too. Our nurse called my doctor- and he got there about 4:30. I did two little "practice" pushes with the nurses. Then the doc was ready and I did one big push, (then I got an episiotomy- my choice)- and on the next big push her head was out (I could actually feel it "out" this time! Not super painful, but with Bennett I felt nothing). One more push and baby girl was here. It was so amazing to have such a great labor. Ryan was amazing and super supportive and happy to do anything I needed. He was right there with me, holding my hand and taking everything in. The nurse tried to get him to look at her dark hair (before she was out) and he opted not to look! We both cried when she was given to us. She was alert, eyes open and calmed down very quickly. She immediately grabbed my finger and just looked into my eyes. It was perfect. She was 21" long and 8 lbs, 11oz! 2oz bigger than Bennett. I was 5 days over due.

Our hospital stay was great. Personally, I would stay a week if they would let me. Meals, medication, cleaning service, all delivered right to your bedside. The first night, I got 3 hrs of sleep. She was either awake or eating. Ryan was amazing and took her on a long walk the next day so I could nap. The nurses were dying over what a great hubby/daddy he was. He also sent me flowers :-) Yeah- I know I have a good one. Oh and he also changed diapers the whole first day. I didn't touch a poopy diaper until day 2. And she pooped like 6 times that first day! haha. The next night, Brooklynn's weight had dropped 11oz, so we decided to let her take some formula. Becuase we were supplementing, the nurses offered to take her to the nursery and let her sleep and feed her- so Ryan and I could get some sleep. BEST DECISION EVER! They took her for 6 hours and Ryan and I were out cold. I'm sure we were both snoring like bears. We were so exhausted. We got out of the hospital that morning and then real life with a newborn began!

Things have been overall amazing. She is such a sweet baby. She sleeps and eats good. We can't believe she is already 3 weeks old. Bennett seems HUGE now- and he is doing really good with his baby sister. He mimicks everything Ryan says- and talks to her in a high-pitched voice. He loves to give her kisses and hugs- and is very concerned anytime she cries. Life is good!  Pics soon to come.