Baby EMMA is here!

Sorry it took so long to get these up - something about having a baby with 5 other kids can take up my time. I know my family (especially those that are far away) are wanting to see how cute she is. Sooo . . . enjoy! She was born November 24 (Monday) at 12:04 pm. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long. She is officially my smallest baby (by 1 oz.) :) The labor was great. I came in dilated to a 2 and 75% effaced. They started the pit at 8:30 (nothing worth noting - small contractions every 10-15 minutes) then Dr. Rising came in at 10 am and broke my water and upped the pitocin. That is when things got going. I started having contractions every 2 1/2 minutes and every 15 minutes - it got more painful. The whole time I was worried that I wasn't progressing very fast, so I was trying to hang in there as long as possible before the epidural (because that can slow things down a bit). I finally started feeling like it was the the end of my labor - I just thought the pitocin was making it a harder labor. They never checked me again until I got my epidural (I Love that anesthesiologist.) Within three contractions of getting it in - I was pain free but could still move my legs. Then as soon as I was settled, Dr. Rising came in and checked me before his scheduled c-section at noon. I was "complete" and ready to deliver. I was shocked but very relieved. I was ready! A few pushes later and Baby Emma was here. I got home Tuesday and have been laying low trying to get this week over with (the swelling - the nursing - the cramps) I know it will get better - thank goodness for pain meds. :) Hopefully I will be back in the swing of things soon. I am TRYING to take it easy, but it is hard when you have so much on your plate (like screaming kids, messy house, etc.) My mom has been here the last few days and has been an angel. We have lots of food and Tamra and her got to bond. I always love having my mom around. Well, I better go check on Emma. Enjoy the pics- they aren't the best - but no worries - Laurie is coming today and she takes the best pictures! Love you all! By the way - it is so nice not being pregant! :) Patrice