Week 1, April 27 - May 3

Tuesday, April 27th
I'm actually writing this on Thursday. I know some people have been waiting for me to update the site. Sorry... things have been a tad hectic.

A recap on what all has happened. Last Thursday at my doc appointment it was decided that we were going to try for an induction if an amnio proved Ella's lungs were mature enough. The following Monday we did the amnio and by Monday evening we had the results which stated she was ready to go. That brings me to Tuesday.

Just a little about the labor process itself. I was probably fully hooked up to meds by 8am. Probably around 11 my water bag was broken by the doc. We knew I was on the high end of average for the level of amniotic fluid, but there was seriously a flood. Very weird. I think around 1 I was given the epidural. That was a breeze. I've heard different stories about the process of getting an epidural, but for me it was a piece of cake. That was really nice until we got near the end when the epi wasn't hiding all of the pain. At one point the doc told the nurse to turn it off (I didn't notice this). I felt the entire pushing process, which took just 1 hour (as opposed to the typical 2-3 for first timers). That was definately the most painful thing I have ever endured. But yes, it's worth it. I'm still alive.

She was born just 11 hours after induction at 6:22pm yesterday, April 27th. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 14.6 ounces, and is 19.5" long.

Wednesday, April 28th
The pediatrician that checked her out this morning was very impressed with her. He didn't even know she was born 4 weeks early. He was doubly impressed when he found that out. Needless to say, she is doing excellently. If Ella had been born a month later on her due date she would have weighed nearly 9 pounds! Things would not have gone as smoothly as they did.

We got home by 1pm today. Ella was in the hospital only 17 hours. We are all very glad to be home.

Thursday, April 29th
Not too much to report today. Ella made trip with her daddy to visit Uncle Frank, but that's about it. I will say that she is a very well-behaved baby. She had to be woken up last night at 4 to be fed. I think she would have slept solidly through the night otherwise. We frequently have to wake her up to eat. If I only have to get up once each night that'd be good.

Ella's first pediatrician visit is tomorrow at 2pm. Very exciting. I'm interested to see how much weight she has lost.