Kelli was 8 days past due (41 and 1/7 weeks) so we went in Wednesday morning at 8 am for a scheduled inducement. 15 hours later . . . Hello Charly!
It wasn't as boring as it sounds. Those 15 hours can go by quickly when you've got nurses to talk to, drugs to be had, and operations to be performed (epidural). Family came and waited patiently in the lobby while I visited with them occasionally, giving updates and feeling like I was trapped in some Lifetime channel movie (pushing open the double doors, slow motion down the hallway, family's anxious looks spelled out on their faces) . . .
Kelli not only has crazy pregnancy strength, she has the most incredible pain tolerance I've ever seen. Earlier this summer, playing catcher on our coed softball league, she blocked the plate as a larger girl tried tagging up and scoring from third on a pop fly. Our outfielder made a perfect throw, the runner lowered her shoulder, and after the dust had settled, it was Kelli standing over top of her with ball raised high in hand. This obviously came in handy . . . I'm married to one tough cookie!
Charly is no different. Immediately upon being born, Charly gave out one sharp yowl, then fell silent and wide-eyed while the nursing staff manhandled her and checked her over. In fact, well into the night, we had yet to hear our daughter's true voice. As our families (who were still waiting patiently in the hospital - even Great Grandma and Grandpa) poured into the room, she merely yawned out of boredom. Nurses checked on her every hour, poking and prodding and not once did she show discomfort. I think I may be the weakest link in our home . . .
She doesn't quite act as though she understands how important eating is, but she's showing signs that she's catching on. We go home tonight and then, starts the real experience. I stopped in briefly yesterday to feed Elliot and everything in the house took on new meaning. The unfinished nursery, the swing in the corner, even Elliot herself. The nursery is not just a room that needs another new paint job, it's Charly's room. The swing in the corner is not just a decoration piece, it's Charly's swing. And Elliot is not just a little kitty, she's now a big sister!
Thanks to Auntie Ashley for some of the pics . . . May the children of our families always have a camera in their face!
4 comments:
I love this post title :)
She sure is an angel! Can't wait for McKenna to meet her! She was on my lap when I was looking through your pictures and she started waving her hands. It was like she was saying, "Hi new friend!" :)
Charly Grace what a face! We can't wait to meet her and congratulate you both in person. Keep the blogs and photos coming Mr. H!
Mr. H-- for some reason I can't comment on your Newbery blog and you didn't list an e mail. Instead of Newbery award winners, which put EVERYONE to sleep, how about concentrating on books that 5-8th grade boys would like? There is a gap in the Kidlitosphere about this type of children's literature. Please consider it!
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