We did it!

Here is how the whole thing unfolded...

At 5:30 pm on Tuesday, I started having contractions. They were different than the ones I'd had before, but I wasn't 100% sure it was the real deal. By 9 pm, they were less than 5 minutes apart, so I called the Doctor. He said to come on in, and they'd check things out. I got there, they checked everything, and told us to walk the halls for the next hour (hoping my water would break). My water didn't break, but things progressed, so they said we were going to have a baby! We were finally admitted and checked into our Labor and Delivery Room around 12:30 am.

Here I am checked into our room...

After a long night (that is completely a blur), I was finally ready to push at about 7 am on Wednesday. At 9:20, sweet little Sadie Katherine made her debut!
She was 7 lbs. 14 oz and 21-1/2" long...
I don't really know how to start to explain how awesome this experience was. As more time passes, it becomes more awesome. I'll be honest, laboring was probably the most challenging thing I've ever done. Let me also say that Stephen was the most encouraging and supportive and tender coach. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I think in the 12 hours we were in Labor and Delivery, he may have left my side for a total of 3 minutes. He is the best- and I felt so incredibly loved. God was so faithful to give us the strength to endure. I had two major times when I wanted to totally throw in the towel. I am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit that carried us through. I got scared close to the end, and I realized that God designed this process, and He would carry it through to completion. He did, and here we are enjoying our daughter...
About an hour after Sadie was born, my parents arrived after driving through the night from Kentucky.
We were excited to have visitors! Jayme and Megan dropped by to meet Sadie and give us hugs of congratulations. Our friends and family have been so incredibly encouraging during this whole pregnancy and yet again during this new phase. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Things are changing for us, but it couldn't be sweeter or more rewarding.


The picture above is cute, but we kept laughing at her security tag. She looked like she was on house arrest.

I'm going to post more on coming home and our happenings around the house as soon as I can.

Thank you again to everyone for the phone calls, emails, and prayers. We couldn't have made it through without you and will continue to lean on your encouragement in the coming days, weeks, and months. We thank God for placing each of you in our lives.

We introduce you to Sadie with great pride and yet complete humility. Can't wait to share her with you.

Where we're at...

Eating this for lunch...

Been sitting on this as much as I can...

This is as ready as it can be...

And it is one of these tonight...

COME ON BIG MONEY!

39 weeks

Come on Sadie! Let's get this going! We're ready for you to come out and play!

Pregnancy Update: 38 Weeks!

Well. Here I am! I'm feeling quite pregnant these days, but at the same time, I can't believe how quickly our due date is approaching (Nov. 4). The Doctor is pleased with how I'm progressing, so that is exciting.

People are still saying interesting things...two new stories.

1. So I was at the gym a couple of weeks ago, and a lady came up to me after class. She was saying all kinds of nice and encouraging things about how it was so great that I was still working out. Then she launched into her personal story about her pregnancies and working out. She unfortunately included some VERY personal details. Thanks. She ended the conversation by lifting her shirt to show me her stomach (which really did look great for being 50 and having 3 kids), and then she gave me two wishes in Spanish. The first one I didn't catch because I didn't realize we were entering the bi-lingual portion of the conversation. The only part I caught of the second wish was "leche." I really don't want to know.

2. I was walking down the street in Carrboro recently, which I need to insert that you never know who you're going to see or what they will say in Carrboro (love that), and I hear some one calling out at me (loudly), "AIN'T NOTHIN MO BU-TIFUL THAN A PREGNANT WOMAN! I tell you ain't nothin mo bu-tiful! You carryin' God wich chu! Ain't nothin mo bu-tiful!" As ridiculous as this scene was, it did make me feel special while waddling down the sidewalk. So I smiled sheepishly and waved.

I think I might miss these kinds of stories when I'm not pregnant anymore. For the most part, people are super sweet and encouraging, and that has been great. I'll miss it when I have to carry my groceries or open the door for myself.

Pregnancy Update: You Ain't Just Fat is You?

The cash register lady at Rite Aid actually asked me that question last week. Seriously? What planet is she from that she thought that was a socially acceptable question? The man behind me said that a man could never get away with asking that question. I wanted to respond that a woman can't either. I did clarify that I was 8 months pregnant, not just fat. At least ask me in proper English next time.

Here's a bump update. Actually, calling it a bump makes it sound cute and little. I'm not sure what to call this, but I'm thankful for it. Sorry for the lame self portrait.

Weird pregnancy story #2:

When we were at the beach last weekend, we hit up our favorite drive in (Big Oak) for shrimp burgers. While standing in line, the woman behind me said, "You're having a girl November 6, aren't you?" Bizarre because that is my exact due date. I looked at her with question in my eyes and said, "Yes. Yes, I am." She then said, "It's your first isn't it?" "Yes," I responded, "and if you know her name you're going to freak me out." She said doesn't guess names, but she does guess time, weight, and length. So, apparently our little girl is going to be born November 6th, at 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon, and she'll be 19-1/2" long and 7 lbs. 3 oz. How freaky will that be if that actually happens?! I've been weirded out ever since last Saturday. I don't know if she was an OB nurse and has been around pregnant women her whole life or if she's a psychic. I kind of don't want to know...At least her prediction is noted now, so we'll all wait in eager anticipation to see if she's right.

Hopefully, I'll have some nursery update photos soon...