Hard believe that now I know my little girl and love her so, I know the sound of her cry, and I can imagine her sweet face when I close my eyes, but when these photos were taken I had no idea what she would look like! I only knew what she felt like from the inside. It amazes me how much can happen in six days! These were taken just six days before we met her! Last photos before I shared my sweet girl with this world! (A big thanks to MomB for taking the time to take these for us! She did a great job!)
We had two different due dates in our minds this entire pregnancy. According to my cycle, my due date was September 8th, but according to our eleven week ultrasound, it was September 12th. All along, I would say that I didn't really care when she's born as long as it's not September 11th. I just didn't want her to have to share a birthday with a day that represents so much sadness, loss, and tragedy. Just saying those two words September Eleventh, immediately brings floods of horrific images to anyone's mind who was present on that day. But it's a new and different September Eleventh for us! And we'll make our Laidey's September 11th a celebration of her, of her life, and of our love for our little girl!
On Friday, September 9th, I had an appointment with my CNM, Amy. BR and I did decide that we wanted her to go ahead an strip my membranes that day. And boy howdy, did she! WHEW! :) I was still 80% effaced, but only about a fingertip worth of dilation. The rest of that day I didn't really have any more contractions or other signs of early labor. The next morning, Saturday the 10th, I lost my mucus plug! I was SO excited to see this, because I had wanted to go on my own so badly this time and it was the first sign showing that I just might, or at least my body was doing what it was supposed to! That morning, MomB, BrettRyan, and I went to the most amazing estate sale ever, ever, EVER! Not enough room on here to describe how much stuff we fit into our bags for $25.00! Ha! I continued to lose more of the mucus plug throughout the day... even more exciting! That afternoon Breck had a taste test at 3:30pm. I began having contractions while we were taste testing that were decent enough that I actually found myself holding my belly! It must have been obvious, because our server asked if I was alright at one point. I wanted to get excited, but tried to be a little skeptical at the same time too, but the fact that I lost my plug and I was having strong-er contractions kind of got my hopes up that it was gonna happen and I was going to do it all by myself this time! No Pitocin! I just knew deep down this was it! At 5:00pm, we called Mom, Dad, and Holly to let them know what was going on up to that point and that we would keep them updated. But we also wanted to let them know that our gut feeling was that they should go ahead and make their way North. By 6:00pm, they were on the road! My contractions continued to be consistent and got to the point where I had to focus on them. When I tucked Breck in for the night, I cuddled with him a little extra long, and snuggled in a little closer knowing that it may be the last time I see him before she's born. That was a sweet moment! I took a shower to see if it made the contractions stop, or continue. Sure enough, I was still having them. At 8:00pm, I called Amy to see what her thoughts were. She said that she wanted me to go for a 20-30 minute brisk walk to see if the contractions picked up or got stronger. She wanted me to call back if they continued and once they got to 5 minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds. She also said that when I am in real labor, that she would be able to hear it in my voice over the phone. I thought to myself, Oh no she won't. My unusually high pain tolerance comes in pretty handy when it comes time to deliver my babies without any pain medications, and I'm usually dilated pretty far before you'd be able to tell I'm having a contraction. DadB and MomB came to stay with Breck while we took a walk, and to stay with me while I labored at home. After the thirty minute walk my contractions were very consistent, and coming harder. We stayed at home for another hour and a half. My contractions finally got the point of having to focus on getting through the pain during the entire peak of the contraction. I was also having lots of pressure in my bottom area during the contrations. MomB and I were thinking the same thing... get to the hospital! So we called Amy again to tell her what my contractions were doing, and to remind her how quickly my labor/delivery went with Breck (4.5 hours!). I also let her know that I have a very high pain tolerance and that she may not be able to tell over the phone. (Later she told me she was glad that I told her this! Because she admitted that even though I was in labor, she couldn't tell over the phone!) She told us to go ahead and head to the hospital. We were on our way around 11:00pm.
Left: I had just finished a contraction, and we were about to leave for the hospital
Right: Waiting to be taken up to triage at the hospital. I was actually crying here...
I was so emotional over the fact that I was about to meet my sweet baby girl.
The contractions on the way to the hospital were the first ones that brought on the tears. By 11:30pm we were in Triage and I was dilated to 3cm. We reminded the nurse that I went quickly with my first delivery, but the triage nurse didn't really care and was pretty lackadaisical about the information we gave her. The nurse said she wanted me to walk around for the next hour and then they would check me again in an hour. I wanted to say, YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT!?! This was the worst part for me! The contractions quickly got more intense during this hour and contracting with the extra pressure in my bum was torture having to stand and walk while it was happening! All I wanted was the jet tub! Mom, Dad, Holly, and Dylan arrived about 11:30pm! We were so glad they made it in time! So Holly, BrettRyan and I continued to walk the hospital halls while I moaned, groaned, and swayed with the pain. At 12:00pm they checked me again and I was dilated to 5cm. FINALLY they said they would be getting a room ready for me and that a nurse would come to get me shortly. I asked them, seriously - if they could be drawing the water in the tub, because I don't want to wait for it once I get to the room. That's exactly what they did too! It was great... as soon as I got the the room (around 1:20am)... I got right into the tub and felt instant comfort from the jets and warm water. It helped to take some of the pressure off my bottom during the contractions too.
Smiled for a picture just after a contraction...
It literally felt like I had maybe three or four contractions in the tub, and my nurse thought she should check me again, that I might even be far enough to push. (By the way, my nurse's name was Breck! We couldn't believe it! And she was AWESOME! Awesome name. Awesome nurse!) Sure enough... I was already at 8cm! I made my way to the bed, and Amy came rushing in, throwing her jacket off, and obviously hurrying! I was ready to push! This point during the delivery, as crazy as it sounds, was the most enjoyable and relaxing experience! I wish I could relive it again. That nervous edge of the unknown wasn't there, but only the presence of excitement and anticipation of being minutes away from seeing our second little miracle! I felt much more mentally clear and "present" in this delivery. I absolutely loved having Amy deliver. She sat right at the end of the bed with me. Everything just seemed laid back, chill, and calm. It helped that Amy is just that way... relaxed. Also, BrettRyan and I felt more laid back through the whole process just because we knew more of what to expect this time. Instead of feeling like I needed our Moms to help me get through the contractions... they were able to enjoy and watch. I actually had time to catch my breath, be involved in the conversations, and laugh between the contractions. The contractions with Breck came so hard, and fast, and too close together that I could barely recover from each one. By 1:30am, she broke my water and I was ready to push whenever I felt the urge.
I just adore this picture.
It shows exactly how it felt in the room. Amy (left): sitting back, overseeing, guiding me, letting me do my thing. Breck (right) there ready to help and comfort when needed. BrettRyan: the best coach, comforter, and encourager in the world leaning right in to tell me what a great job I was doing!
For a few pushes, I remember feeling like I couldn't remember how to push properly. Then, I remembered I had to grunt, scream, and hold my breath too to be effective. Then the pushes became productive, and I'm sure i could be heard through the entire floor! I always swore I would never make those noises! Amy said, A productive delivery is a noisy one and to make noise! (Needless to say, my throat was so very sore and scratchy for two days after.)
At one point, during one of my resting periods between pushes, I was internally questing if I had enough strength to do this, to push her out. I remember looking up at Holly, and gaining so much strength from the simple fact that she was there, present with me, and going to see my baby birthed into our world. The eye contact she and I had, and the your-doing-an-awesome-job smile she gave me filled me with the confidence to push even harder on the next push. I am so incredibly grateful that my sister was in the delivery room. It wasn't something that was set in stone, but rather an open invitation that we had discussed weeks before. I knew she would try her best to be there, if it happened at a time that would flex with her work. And I'm so, so, SO glad it did! She is my best friend, my best-est sister, and the best aunt! I told her that weekend how it makes my heart so happy when I watch they way she loves my kids! She loves them like her own. She's the BEST!
A few more pushes, and then... the burn. I felt that familiar burn, and stretch. And there was her head, and as soon as her head was there, her body came out even faster. September 11, 2011 at 1:54am my sweet Adelaide Pearl left my body and we laid eyes on her sweet figure. She weighed 7lbs. 14.5oz. and was 18.5 inches long! She felt like a teensy tiny peanut to us compared to Breck, who was 8lbs. 14.5oz. and 21.5 inches long! She was a dolly and reminded me so much of her little brother twenty months before, but just in a girly way. :) She was warm and super soft. She quickly showed us she knew where her fingers were and that they were familiar to her. She had a head full of chestnut brown hair, just like her Mama! I was a little worried about how it would work, to love two. But it really just does. My heart just swelled with love for this little sweetie the very second my eyes saw her! Who knew you could love someone so very immediately. I feel like Breck has showed us how to love her even more intensely because we now know that this little newborn will one day be loving us back in ways just like her older brother! And I'm SO excited that I have a boy and a girl. This sweet girl will have a big strong brother to protect her. I always wanted an older brother, and now I get to watch my kids have those roles!
I am so blessed to have such quick, and easy natural labors! Amy said that was the fastest face up delivery she has ever seen! Adelaide came out face up, but you'd never know because she came out so very fast. And that would explain all that pressure I felt in my bottom; she was hitting my tailbone on every contraction!
We stayed connected for four whole minutes. :) When they asked me if I was ready to have the cord cut, I kind of wanted to say "No!" There is something inside of me that wanted her to stay connected to me forever. But knowing that's not realistic or healthy... I said "Yes,"
BUT I made them wait and pause to get a picture! This picture... love it.
She and I cuddled and nursed for about 30-45 minutes before they even asked if I was ready for her to be weighed and have a bath! Again... the atmosphere was so relaxed, and I'm so thankful for that. By the way, she was a nursing champ! Latched on the very first try!
First cuddle with Daddy!
Holy moly, I think little sister looks an awful lot like big brother here!
Aunt Holly was sooo excited to see her little Laidey too!
Daddy, Mommy, Amy and Breck! Loved them!
(Throwback. Just for fun! Jan 24, 2010)
Papa and Papaw came in just minutes after she arrived to celebrate with us and meet the sweetie!
Again... they let all of this happen before she ever left my chest to get cleaned up!
Grammy and Mamaw wore lots of hats during the delivery:
cheerleaders, photographers, and videographers. :)
Adelaide's darling little hat that was handmade by her Grammy!
Getting a good look!
Hard to believe she makes us a family of four!
We didn't get to our room and ready for bed until 5:00am! We were exhausted. But the next day we were able to nap a little before family arrived back up at the hospital. We enjoyed having our family and friends up to see visit our sweetie! And the best visitor we had was BIG BROTHER, Breck Reid! I lost it when he walked in the room! My first "baby," who made me a Mama... walking into our room to see my second baby, who made me a Mama all over again. Very much an emotional moment for this Mommy!
There is nothing in this world like being a Mommy, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
It's what I've wanted my entire life.
(Throwback. Just for fun again! January 24, 2010)
Just hours old!
The best doctor ever! He gave her an A+ and always tells us what beautiful kids we make! :)
Aunt Holly bought me my very first bottle of nail polish,
so it was only fitting for her to paint my fingers and toes in the hospital!
Cousin Dylan came too!!! Breck just adores Dylan!!!
Meeting my Nana Anna for the first time!
Grammy, Adelaide, and Nana Anna...
After three grandboys, Papaw finally gets a grand-DAUGHTER!
I just adore, adore, ADORE this photo! Breck and Mamaw checking out little Laidey Lou!
The super cute and cozy blanket that Mamaw made for Laidey! And it matches her room!
Papa and his first granddaughter!
Left: Papa, Right: Uncle Jus!!!
Uncle Brandon, Aunt Lindsay, and Maxon made the drive to visit us in the hospital...
Great-Grams...
...and Great-Gramps!
Uncle Dave and Aunt Krystal!
Miss B!
Mommy and Adelaide enjoyed some alone time to bond while Daddy went to class the morning we were to be discharged. This was a picture of my view that beautiful morning...
Our little sleeping beauty!
Going home!!! Momma starting to look a little tired! Ha!
This picture makes BR laugh because he says it just doesn't look like me at all... or an expression I would make. I think the sleepyness was finally settling in on me!
Big brother's first sight of her at home...
And several days later after he had gotten used to the idea... :)
First venture out to the grocery store... 7 days old. Laidey was a jewel.
And Breck on the other hand... threw his first official temper tantrum in public because he randomly wanted to ride in the carts with the tvs in them. 1. We never use those carts. 2. Even if we wanted to let him, all three of them were out of order! He's not throwing a tantrum here, but we finally gave up and just let him lay on the grocery floor and zoooom his cars around everywhere... it was the only thing that kept him happy and occupied while I zoooomed through the store trying to throw everything on our to-buy-list in the cart!
First official bath... 13 days old.
Some pictures during Laidey's first few weeks of life...
I'll just say that a certain Daddy was pretty proud and went out to buy some pink balloons to put out in front so all of the neighbors would know he brought his girlS home from the hospital!
Our very special friends, Steve and Kay came for a visit!
I could not get enough of this outfit from Mamaw and Papaw... the ruffles on the bum were too much. And the fact that it said "Little Tweetie" on the front was precious!
Little boy is still cracking us up!
I came into the living room one day to find these doggies perked up and looking out the window. Wonder who did that!? Breck has such a wild imagination lately!
I love finding things like this around the house. He is always pretending...
Once BrettRyan went back to work after two weeks, Mom came up to stay for the third week! It was awesome to have her here for the company, but also to help with the kids and chores around the house! She was SUCH a huge help... I can't tell you the music to my ears it was to hear her unloading my dishwasher every morning before I even made it downstairs! I told her that was like Christmas morning to me! Uncle Greg and Aunt Donna also came up for a few days to meet the little sweetie during her third week of life! I know I took pictures of Uncle Greg with Adelaide, but I can't seem to find them! So sorry Uncle Greg! :)
Adelaide's Newborn Pictures... Taken at days 9 and 10.
(Taken by Studio.2429) Ha!
You still love to be swaddled for every nap. You've slept through the night off and on since you were three weeks old, and when you do get up, it's usually only once through the night! You can not stand to have a dirty diaper, and usually demand to be changed right away... who can blame you!?! I wonder if you'll be easy to potty train? You don't love your pacifier, but you seem to be interested in your fingers. Although swaddling you poses a conflict with sucking your fingers. :) You've slipped quite nicely into the three hour Baby Wise routine. You eat about every 2.5-3 hours and are awake for 45 minutes after that, and then you are ready to go back down to sleep. If we miss that window of time, you sometimes have a hard time falling asleep. I love getting to know you baby girl, and apparently the feeling is mutual because you have been smiling at me SO much lately, which completely melts my heart! We sure love having you with us now, sweet girl. I can't imagine going back to life as a family of three... you belong with us and we love you so much already!!!
Love, Mama
