Madison's birth story/hospital stay

She's here! She's here!! She's really here! As each day ticked by past her due date, it started to feel as though we might never meet our little girl. After our dr. appointment on Friday, I had some mild braxton hicks, but nothing major to think I was actually going into labor. Saturday morning we had a great day together as a family. We walked down to McDonalds which has become a labor starting ritual (we went there the morning I started labor with Colter). This time we had a little 2 year old to entertain us with his pancake eating and play gym climbing. After Old McDonalds, we walked over to Whole Foods where Colter begs to ride the "race cars" (ie germ infested kids carts) around the store. I'm not sure what he likes more- the samples or the race cars. After the store, we went to the pet store to look at animals, and then to Barnes & Noble to play at the train table. We happened upon a Clifford themed story time complete with a life size Clifford character, which Colter immediately ran up to and started hugging. It was such a perfect way to spend our last morning together as a family of 3. I remember looking at him with his cute orange jacket and rain boots as he was stomping in puddles realizing what a big boy he is now. During the morning, my contractions were about 10 min. apart, and got to about 8 min by the time we got home.

Colter's nap rolled around and things started to get pretty intense. We had my brother and sister in law come over to help with Colter once he got up because I really needed Ben's support. My contractions went from 10 min. to every 1-3 min. and they got intense quick! We were trying to wait a little while longer before going to the hospital this time around and by 4:30 I knew we needed to get there quick! I had about 6 contractions on the way down to the hospital and then about 8 just from the hospital parking garage up to triage. I was a hurtin woman! They got me admitted quick and I got relief from the epidural amazingly fast. I went from about 6 cm to complete and ready to push from about 7-8:30. I pushed for 10 minutes, and out she came!! Our nurse kept waiting to take her dinner break until after the baby was born, and I felt bad thinking she might be a while- but she was right! Our little miss was definitely ready to come out!

Of course the moment your baby arrives, there are truly no words to explain the beauty and miracle. She is absolutely perfect, from her curly dark mullet, to her slight chin dimple, to her little crease on her nose by her eyes. It's hard to say who she looks like at this point, but she is simply a miracle, weighing in at 8 lb. 4 oz and measuring 20 inches long.

Oh epidurals.. how I love thee

first glances

Pure joy

We're happy.. not sure about our daughters!

We were so blessed to have our actual doctor be on call and deliver Madison! We love Dr. Johannsen!!

Our hospital stay so far has been absolutely wonderful. With Colter, everything felt out of control and overwhelming, dealing with breastfeeding issues and just the transition in general of becoming parents. This time around we've been able to enjoy her a ton - knowing what our normal pace of life with Colter is like. We've spent the day taking pictures, talking to family, and just enjoying being together. Unfortunately Colter threw up in the hospital parking lot, so we haven't been able to introduce the siblings yet. We're hoping he's not sick, just feeling anxious from knowing something is going on.

Getting ready for her first bath!

Definitely not a fan!

Everyone wants to know about her hair! here it is all washed up! Not quite as crazy as Colter, but not lacking in length!

Sweet banner my SIL Kelsey made

First of many many bows to come!

All in all, our experience with Madison has been an absolute blessing. Welcome to the world Madison!!