Special Blessings!

The birth of baby Ainsley was a very special birth, because my sisters and mom were able to be there. Since we live so far from family and all of our kids have been born unscheduled no one has ever been able to be here. My mom has always been able to fly up as soon as I was in labor, but has never made it in time. In fact we have always had just a few visitors in the hospital- so everyone who complains about all the company that comes around to help when they have babies just remember there are those of us who usually have no one. We have been blessed with wonderful friends who have all stepped in to watch the rest of our kids when we head to the hospital and until my mom makes it here. This time was different and so much fun!

My mom and Ainsley right after Ainsley was born!

My younger sister Kathryn and Ainsley

My big sister Christine and Ainsley!

I thought I had an appointment on Thur., but it was actually me showing up a day early (I wrote it wrong on our calender). I had been having some severe pain in my side for several hours prior to my "appointment" so since I was there I asked if I could just talk to a nurse or something. They said I could meet with the PA (who I had seen the week before, while my doctor was on vacation) and I said that would be fine. She checked me out and said everything looked fine and the pain could just be me progressing. I was about 4 cent. and 85% effaced and she said it would probably just be a few days. We were thrilled with the progress and when I called my sisters and mom they said they were going to be on their way. I was a little worried now about how long it would actually take, hoping they wouldn't drive all that way for nothing. I kept my appointment with my doctor on Fri. afternoon and my sisters said they would be here for that. They arrived a few hours before my 3:30 appointment, we didn't tell the kids and they were so excited when they walked through the door. My sisters and mom went with me to the appointment, planning on how they could talk my doctor into inducing me. My older sister Christine went in with me and did just that. I was still around 4 and 85%, but my doctor had no problems talking about an induction (especially with my sister saying we drove from Texas and her and my other sister had to be back for teacher in-service week). They can't induce on weekends, so she said we'd have to do it right then or on Mon. She checked to see if she had anything else going on and then sent us on over to labor and delivery. It was so exciting- by the way I have the BEST OB! By 5:00 I had my IV in and 5:30 pitocine and shortly after my epidural. At 6 before my doctor left for home she broke my water and I was well on my way (4-5). Everything was so perfectly timed, including the anesthesiologist being up there to give another epidural and just walking over to give me mine. We sat around and watched a movie, during which I realized the epidural was only working on one side- not fun. I rotated sides a few times and around 9:15 they turned me again and I felt relief come over my whole body and the pain went away. Shortly after the pain stopped I felt a tiny bit of pressure (I was really numb from trying to get the meds to work on both sides, but felt something) and asked Kyle to go find the nurse, since it had been over 2 hours since they had checked (when they broke my water). He said he'd wait, but I said he should just go ask, he walked out the door and my doctor walked by (she had just delivered another baby) and said she'd check. She walked in checked me, crossed my legs (jokingly) and said it's time. The nurses ran in and got things ready, I pushed a couple times and within 2 min. she was born. It was so exciting and my mom and sisters were able to be there the whole time! My mom has 7 grandkids and has never been to any of the births and my sisters and I have never been there for eachother's delivers. Ainsley was here by 9:30, healthy and screaming and as cute as can be. The whole time the other kids (including Kathryn's son Briley) were at home with the best babysitters my niece Hadley and nephew Hayden. It was perfect timing and all such a wonderful blessing, I couldn't have asked for better last delivery or a better outcome! My sisters drove back Sun. night and my mom is still here helping out till Sat.! I do hope to live closer to family someday, but for now we will gladly accept such special visits from Texas. We miss everyone already and look forward to the next time we are together. Thank you God for allowing everything to work as it did and thank you to my wonderful family! We love you all!

At home making breakfast the day after Ainsley arrived!

Yummy! Next up a visit to the hospital!

Cousin picture- at Briley's nap time

Christine with her babies and Ainsley

Hayden and Hadley- the best babysitters! Thanks so much!