charlie jo.

i had a doctor's appointment at 11:15 on thursday.
i wasn't dilated at all and it was decided that i would be induced monday evening.
my doctor felt it best to induce so that she could be the one to deliver and work with my leg.
i left a little glum knowing that the birth of daughter would not be a surprise.

i was wrong.

exactly five hours later, my water broke.
we had just returned home from target.
i was hobbling up the stairs with my walker and was certain i had wet myself.
with a look of terror i said to bill, "I think I just peed my pants."
perplexed, he said, "Okay..."
"I can't stop..." I said, bewildered.

after finishing my tall decaf from starbucks, making a phone call to the doctor's office and changing my clothes, we made our way to the hospital.

at 6:15, i was induced.
i was still not dilated, nor was i contracting, but it was official.
my amniotic fluid had broken and i was about to become a mom.

the petocin was fast-acting and labor came quickly and painfully.
i vomitted.
i faced my fear of contracting with the walker.
i cried.
i clung to the bed rails.
the doctor, known for being "anti-epidural" begged me to take it.
my husband begged me to take it.
at 2:30 a.m., after seven hours of labor and only dilated 2.5 cm., i cried and caved.

two epidurals and three hours later, i was dilated 10 cm.
i began pushing at 5:45.
at 6:22 a.m., charlie jo entered this big ol' world.

for now, because i am still adjusting to so little sleep, i will leave with pictures.
more on the 'experience' to come.
she's perfect.

may 2, 2008
7 pounds 8 1/2 ounces
19 1/2 inches long
dark hair
daddy's nose.
mommy's eyes.
10 fingers.
10 toes.
100% miracle.

the calm before the storm...
meeting daddy for the first time.
true love.
hi daddy.
deep conversation.
so you're the one who's been eating all that chocolate.
daddy loves his camera...
...and me.

she likes her baths, just like mommy.
getting ready to go home.
the stevens clan.
going home...no more hospitals.
sleep.