Our Baby Story...Finally

Note: I wrote this post a few days after I had Kellyn. It has taken me three weeks to get the energy to add some pictures and click on "publish post." Mommyhood is a lot harder and busier than I thought. I have lots more to write about since this post but I'm tired...more to come later.

I gave birth on Wednesday August 19th. Nothing prepared me for what a powerful experience that would be. I'm not even sure how to describe it or where to begin. I think instead of trying to describe my feelings about this sacred experience, I'll just give some technical details and show some pictures for my blogging friends. The rest of it I think I'll keep to myself for now. Although I'm nervous about this huge responsibility, I am so grateful that my life just changed forever because Heavenly Father entrusted us with this beautiful baby.

DETAILS: No induction was necessary, thankfully. On Monday the 17th I started having contractions while eating at the Olive Garden with my mom. I think our waiter was confused as to why I was clutching the edges of the table and making weird faces. From 12:00 p.m. Monday until 1:33 a.m. on Wednesday I was in labor. That is 37 hrs. and 3 min. in case you were curious. I stayed home until Tuesday morning when we went to the hospital. I labored all day at the hospital and ended up not progressing for about 6 hours so we decided to try a pitocin drip. That did the trick and kept me going. She also was in a posterior position which means she was facing my belly button instead of my back. That made labor longer and pushing the baby out more difficult. So, to make a long 37 hours short, I made it! For some reason I have had a life long goal to have an unmedicated childbirth and, despite the challenges, I was able to do it. I still can't believe that I made it. It was not what I expected and was really hard. I definitely couldn't have done it alone and am so grateful for Jared, my supportive family, AMAZING midwives, and most of all my Heavenly Father. I can't believe she's actually here! We are so happy!

This is Kellyn and I right after she finally came out! Sorry it's a little revealing with my shoulder and all. (If you're grossed out, just be glad I didn't post a picture of the placenta or something...) As you can see, I was exhausted. I hadn't slept in two days and I couldn't believe I was finally holding our baby. Jared and Kellyn. I don't know who was more tired, Jared or me.

Just a little while after she was born. She looks pretty tired too...I guess all three of us had a pretty long couple days.

Getting ready to go home from the hospital. It was the scariest feeling to be going home. I still can't believe they let us take her home without passing some parenting test or giving us a baby instruction manual. But so far we're making it. I think that's what Grandmas are for.