Caldwell Expansion: May 2012

The last 7 days have been some of the best days of our lives. We welcomed into this world, Brynn Marion Caldwell on April 27th at 5:37pm. Weighing in at 7lbs, 9oz, 22 in. She has already changed our lives for the better and we are just so in love with our little peanut. Even through all the sleepless nights, Brynn has showed us a love that neither of us ever thought we had.

Labor and Delivery: Don't worry I will make this portion very G rated :).

Labor started on Friday morning at around 1:30am. I was able to comfortably labor in the convenience of our own home until 6am by taking a bath and breathing through every contraction. I concentrated on thinking about Indy and my last 7 years together and how much our lives were about to change. It was almost serial as I didn't want to freak anyone out over if this was it or not. But deep down I knew it was time as I had a feeling that I have never experienced before. We decided to finally head to the hospital around 6am as the contractions were getting stronger and closer apart. Pulling out of the drive way Indy said the cutest thing. He looked at me and said "Take a long look at our home as this is the last time we will be leaving it with just us 2. We will be coming home with our daughter the next time you see your house." I thought, wow he is so right as we continued on our path to the hospital.

After getting checked in, we were assigned a labor and delivery room and proceeded to get comfortable. I changed into the lovely hospital gown and climbed into the bed that I would be in for the rest of the day. Our nurse came in and introduced herself and started getting us in the system and all set up. She wanted to check me to see how dilated and effaced I was and would make a decision with the doctor after that check on whether or not I was going to be admitted or not. Surprisingly, I was not dilated as much as we thought so she told us we would probably be sent home to labor more until the contractions got stronger. It took over and hour until she finally came back into the room and gave us the great news that we WERE getting admitted and to get ready to have a baby by the end of the day. We were very excited to say the least :).

So the day continued to go on. We rested for a while and did our breathing exercises through every painful contraction. Indy and I were having just a nice quiet morning together and taking it all in. Labor continued to progress throughout the day. By noon, my water still had no broken on my own so they told me the OB Doc would be in within the next hour to break my water and try to get things going a little faster. Well as we were answering more questions for the nurse, my water broke. I honestly have to say it was an amazing feeling! I looked at Indy and grabbed his hand as I knew things were about to progress a whole lot quicker. The nurse had told me I would progress by 1 about every 2 hours and expect to be pushing for around 3-4 hours since I was a first time mom. Well around 4:00pm the nurse checked me and I was at a 6.5. Then at around 5:00pm she checked me again and to her surprise and ours, I was fully dilated at a 10 and ready to push. She called the OB Doc and told him I was ready. He let her know that he was going to finish up some office work and then head down. At that point she decided to have me start doing my practice pushes. The first practice push she stopped me half way through and told me to stop pushing as I was about to crown! I was amazed that she had moved down that quick as was everyone else. She yelled for the other nurse to call the doc and get him down there right away!! He came running through the hospital and into the room and barely had time to gown and glove up not only himself but Indy as well.

I guess this is the point were I tell you that yes you heard me right, to gown Indy up as well. Indy pretty much performed most of the delivery with the doctor right beside him guiding him through every step. It went quick as I only pushed about 4-6 times until she came flying out. Our perfect little princess was here!!!! Labor and delivery were by far the best experience of both of our lives. It was painless and felt amazing to tell you the truth. I had such an easy delivery that I am already saying I can't wait to do it again!!! We spent the rest of the night starring at our little girl and not putting her down once :).

Here are some pictures from the hospital and the last week since she was born. Enjoy! :)

My twin sis, Brynn and I

My best friend Alicia holding Brynn :)

Daddy beyond excited!

Prior to delivery. Trying to stay happy and not pay attention to the pain :)

Precious!

Daddy is so in love with his baby girl!

My twin sis stayed the night with me during my second night in the hospital so Indy could go home and get some rest. You can't see her to well, but if you look close Brynn is cuddling with Jenna in bed :).