The Big Day........

Let me FIRST start out by saying, I DID take pictures of us going to the hospital and one right after she was born, but our camera stopped working and thanks to my awesome friend Heather who visited me later that night, do I have ANY pictures. (She let me borrow her camera).

So June 2nd was the big day! I was awakened a few times during the night around 4 and 5 in the morning. Now looking back, I guess it was from contractions, but I was too sleepy to figure out which way was up. I got up to get Bronson ready for school and they just kept coming. So Brooks and I got the kids up, fed them breakfast, read, prayed, and took Bronson to school on our way to the hospital (while my sweet neighbor watched the other rascals....coloring me pictures and making me welcome home posters).

We got there, answered all those LAME questions about how Brooks is indeed the father, I don't have STDs and I don't smoke. Phew, glad we got that out of the way. And that I answered them WHILE I was in labor because heaven knows I couldn't have done that during a doctor's visit or something! It's okay though, because Brooks kept my mind off the pain by singing "Put your Shoulder to the Wheel, PUSH along" (repeating the push part over and over). Annoying? Maybe. But it was better then worrying about explaining to the nurses over and over again that I have FAST labors so getting me stinking admitted before the baby crowns.

They finally believe us when I was at a 6 or 7 and I DEMANDED an epidural before it was too late (sorry, I'm done with natural childbirth if I can help it. 2 natural ones.....been there, done that and I felt just the same after). The only downfall is that is slowed labor a little. But I would rather not be in pain for 3 hours of labor then have a bad hour. So there Brooks and I were....sitting in the room. Bored. Not used to labor going this slow. So I kept trying to take a little nap until I called the Team Epidural back in because it was wearing off. They checked me and I was at a 10 but my water hadn't broken. A few minutes later, it did and they got ready to deliver.......when the nurse asked me, "Honey, do you think you remember how to push?" Ummmmm, was she kidding?!?! I just kept thinking, I've pushed 4 out before, I think I remember how. So, true to form and proving that I could I pushed Iris out in the first contraction (I showed her, by-the-way). Note: I didn't know that it would later cause problems with Iris spitting up mucas and the amniotic fluid because it didn't have enough time in the birthing canal to get it all out of her lungs/throat.....So much for proving something.

When the baby's head and shoulders came out, the nurse, doctor, Brooks and I ALL agreed it was DEFINITELY a boy face. Brooks was telling everyone I told you so when I pushed out the rest and there happened to be something missing between HER legs. Whoops. I wouldn't come out looking my prettiest either if I had been soaking in fluid for 9 months, then squeezed and torpedoed out of a shoot. So I guess we should've given Iris a little break.

They put her on my belly and I cried and cried. I was soooo happy to have my little girl here.

After weighing her, they let me just snuggle her for 2 hours. 2 hours of pure heaven. Truly.

The above are the hospital shots or my new Princess. We're thinking she's more like Jasmin because I've never had a baby with black hair. Plus, she's kind of tan (thank you a little jaundice), and came out not wearing the most modest thing.

The awake picture of her is during her night feedings in the hospital, just chillin' with me. The BEAUTIFUL iris bouquet was from my parents and I grabbed one for her first photo shoot on my hospital bed with all those blankets they give you since your temp. is going crazy. I was surprised she cooperated so well.

Oh, and I threw in a really up close picture to prove her big cheeks. I've NEVER had a baby with cheeks!

Here are all of her adoring fans!!!!!! Notice Aleeya's not-so-done hair. In Brooks' defense, he TRIED to use the elastics, they weren't cooperating, he said. Side note: the kids had A LOT more fun with Daddy home then when I'm EVER home.

Here's Iris during her first day home. I just love Daddy/baby shots.

Besides our new arrival of Iris, we have two new baby turtles! (Holly was forever lost....but these ones can't get out) They've actually entertained the kids quite nicely. Better then new toys anyday!

So everyone is home, doing well, and loving having sweet Iris here (except her little awake party she wanted to throw last night, inviting both Brooks and myself). I've been spoiled and Brooks won't let me do a thing. Mentally I'm ready to go, but I give in and let him win by sitting, snuggling, sleeping and nursing with my hotpad on my back. Ahhhhh, heaven. :)