16 Days Early

Wow what a whirlwind it has been.

I am tired and still recovering so here are the highlights:

We went in for a routine check-up at 12:15pm on Thursday, October 20^th. I was 37 weeks and 5 days.

The Dr. checked me and I was 5 cm and 90% effaced.

Shea and I heard this and looked at each other and were like cool, thinking “one more week or so to go.”

But the Dr. looked at us and was like SOOO... “That means you’re really close to delivering this baby, are you sure you haven't felt any contractions.”

I was like, nope but I have been extremely uncomfortable today.

He told me my water is bulging, which means it could break anytime. And I am really far along.

Then he hit us with the big stuff...

He said “Walk around for a couple hours, eat some lunch, get all ready and head to Labor and Delivery”. He told us if I am not in active labor when I get there he will put me in it, since I am so close it is not worth it to wait and have the panic of trying to get to the hospital on time for an epidural.

YES we were in shock.

We called the families, and spread the news.

First, we drove to Rexburg. Packed for the hospital/Connor’s overnight bag and straightened the apartment.

Next, we headed out for some fast food lunch.

Then we made our way to Shea’s parents and dropped off Connor’s bag. We said some sad “Goodbye’s” to our only child.

Once we got to Idaho Falls we decided to take a walk around the mall, just hoping for a little progress. I was starting to get a little worried, because I was feeling no contractions and no pain. So we were both imagining all the hospital possibilities, mostly involving false alarms and preparing ourselves for a trip back home.

Finally we decided let’s face it and find out what they will say, so we head to the hospital.

Labor and delivery here we come.

We got checked in and got asked a whole bunch of questions.

End result I am feeling no pain, no contractions, and the nurses are looking at me like I am crazy.

I am now dilated to a 6.

They call the Dr. and he says to keep me. So this is it! We are going to meet our baby girl in a few hours, craziness!

Minutes later they ask me about an epidural. I say yes. Even though I am having no pain, I decide ... I don't want any so bring it on.

I am now dilated to 7 cm ... still no pain, no nothing. The screen says my contractions are 2-4 mins apart.  

The anesthesiologist comes and I get the epidural.

Dr. comes and breaks my water, 5:30pm.

I sleep a little, play Phase 10, and do a little waiting. My contractions have now slowed because of my epidural, so they are sporadic. They decide to give me some Pitocin to get my contractions consistent again, 7:11pm.

8:17pm I am completely dilated.

The room is set up and the Dr. arrives, 8:39pm I start pushing. Due to her perfect position, (the Dr. even comments that her nose is in the right spot, which is rare), only ten minutes of pushing.

Bella Marie Stanger is born, 8:49pm!

Bella Report:

She weighed 6 lbs 8 oz  and was 20.5 inches long.

 She was born with some light brown/blondish hair.

Blonde eyelashes and eyebrows.

Dark bluish eyes, baby eyes change, so who knows.

And long little fingers and toes!

She was 16 days early.

She had a little trouble breathing since she was early so they had to press on her lungs and do some exercises with her right away. Nothing scary and she was good to go after that.

She had jaundice. So we had to do a couple blood tests this week to have it checked, to ensure her bilirubin levels were going down. And as they were, we didn’t have to worry.

On the way to Dr. Appt #1, 4 Days Old

Dr Appt #1, Daddy and Bella

Big Brother overseeing the Appt

Mommy and her Girl at the Dr. 

Mommy Report:

What a SHOCK! It has all been. Throughout the whole day of labor I kept waking up and thinking I was dreaming.

I was so impressed with Shea, through it all he was one step ahead. Making sure I was taken care of and not worrying and just being such a huge sense of comfort. Giving me reassurance and support 

The delivery and recovery have all been perfect. I couldn’t have asked for better. It was the most fairy tale birth I could have imagined. No pain and perfect baby and quick recovery, with an amazing husband by your side every step of the way.

Life is good; I am walking around and chasing our Connor while cradling our Bella constantly! It is a busy and crazy life right now but it couldn’t be better.

We are now patiently awaiting the arrival of my family. I can’t wait to show off our little Bells!

Snuggling in bed with Connor, 5 Days Old

Connor Report:

Connor loves Bella and gives her hugs and kisses every chance he gets, a little too much loving sometimes but it’s adorable! 

He loves her so much already and is a protective and careful big brother already. 

Always wanting to know where she is or why she is crying. 

His favorite things is to hold her and with a lot of help he holds her himself, our independent little man.

We are so proud of him.

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One Week Old Photo Shoot