Introducing the newest member of our family (drumroll, please!)… Pink!
As you know, this little girl did not come into the world quietly. There was the mistaken gender prediction. Preterm labor. Bed rest. Cankles (which were more like “thankles” since they were closer in size to my thighs). So it was no surprise that when I went in for my NST (non-stress test) and ultrasound last Monday, my bizarrely calm doctor seemed unusually on edge.
He said, “I think you’re going to have this baby soon…”, left the room, and when I went out to use the restroom I heard him on the phone with the hospital. He came back in and said that it looked like my placenta wasn’t doing its job and—at 38 weeks—it was safer to have the baby out. I should head home to get my family set up and then go to the hospital to be induced. Today.
It shouldn’t have come as a shock. Heck, I had even considered begging him to induce me…to get this drama over with. But this wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. So when I got in the car, it all hit me. I laughed. I cried. I panicked. I relaxed. This was it. The moment we’d been waiting for.
While I haven’t proven to handle pregnancy well, I’ve made up for it with pretty easy, uneventful labors (well, except the first when my epidural didn’t work…but that’s another story). The doctor predicted that this labor wouldn’t last more than a few hours given my history. But we should have known history meant nothing in this case. A whopping nine hours later, more IV medications than I could count and some very tired cheerleaders, little miss Pink finally joined us.
From the moment we met her, she was calm, peaceful and you’d never have known that this sweet little 6lb 11oz bundle of joy could have been a part of any of the rocky build up to this day.
The next couple days in the hospital, I couldn’t help but analyze the experience as a new mom, but also as an experienced mom. It was amazing to me how strongly I saw myself as both extremes.
As a new mom, I was in awe of this tiny little creature in my arms. She felt so fragile—and I felt surprisingly awkward re-learning to hold a newborn gently, but confidently.
As an experienced mom, her heartfelt cries sounded so sweet and undaunting. (Especially after talking to Little on the phone who was having a screaming tantrum because it was too cold to wear his uniform—athletic shorts and a t-shirt.)
As a new mom, I was amazed by how teeny tiny her toes, nose and little body were. Then again, I was amazed by how huge she was given that hours before she’d been tucked inside of me.
As an experienced mom, I knew when to ask the nurses for help…and when to ask them to leave me alone. (Apparently they appreciated that part since they kept saying how nice I was. Guessing my first-time nurses wouldn’t have agreed.)
As a new mom, I felt the overwhelming dread of three little words: “More frequent feedings.”
As an experienced mom, I found the SNL-like humor in the nurses celebrating my beautifully shrinking fundus and discussing everything about my care in acronyms that meant nothing to me, but telling me to chime in if they got anything wrong.
As a new mom, I found myself utterly exhausted and sleeping through just about anything…including a feeding or two. (Panic!)
As an experienced mom, I knew that through the sleepless hours, repeated bilirubin tests, big brothers’ adjustment period, huge construction project literally right outside my window (which was a huge bonus for the boys) and the need to start formula (gasp!), everything would be ok. More than ok, really. Wonderful. Because this baby girl—our sweet little Pink—was exactly who we’d been waiting for.
And she was definitely worth the wait.
She’s so pretty! Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Laurie!
Awww–congrats again!! Almost makes me want another one!
Must be something about girls because my first 2 labors were a breeze (by labor standards) and little Miss C was content to stay put!! 10 hours, 3 1/2 of pushing, ugh.
Hope all is going great and can’t wait to meet her!!
Can’t wait to get out your way…we’ve been trapped at home for months. We’ll make plans soon!
how perfect!!! Although i hope she doesn’t keep rockstar hours like her namesake… Just train the boys to prep her bottle and feed her in the early morning hours so you can catch just a few more zzz’s 😉
Can’t wait to hear more about your party of five 🙂
xxoo
I’m sure she’ll wake up soon, but at this point sleeping is her game. We’re very lucky! (And, yes, I feel the need to type “knock on wood”.)
Congrats- I loved reading this! I especially love the part about your reaction when you get in the car. How many times have I felt this as a mother! I love boys, but having one special girl is awesome. Already, at age five my daughter and I have our girlie time, loads of crafts, & even shopping! Daddy will never be the same… sounds trite, but so true. Your little girl is gorgeous- glad everything went well!!
I’m definitely looking forward to having some girl time! And she’s already a crazy daddy’s girl. From the second she was born, she turns to his voice. Only he could make her open her eyes the first few days. So sweet! Thanks for the good thoughts, Kate.
PS- I can’t help but think of you when it comes to labor given we met in our birthing class. I always thought you were amazing for wanting to go it natural!
She is so sweet looking! Totally hear you on the frequent feedings and having to supplement with formula. I am very obsessed with baby girls as of late 🙂
Your baby girl gives you good reason for the obsession! Afraid in my case it’s more like 99% formula, but that’s another post for another day. And yes, it’s already brewing in my mind. 🙂 Keep enjoying that sweet girl!
From what I’ve seen from you, I always thought you were strong.=)
Congratulations, we’re looking forward to meeting your beautiful little girl!
Little Miss Pink is Perfectly sweet, peaceful and beautiful…..just like her Mama!
I am sooo happy for you and your expanded family. After our two boys, it was fascinating to watch how differently our little girl develops and interacts with her world. Watching her big brothers fall in love with her has been one of the greatest things I have ever witnessed. Love her nickname!
Belated but sincere congratulations! So happy for your family.