About Her Name

Veronica means "true image" in Latin, and she is a true image indeed of God's love and greatness!!!! We waited a long time for this little one and feel so blessed that we've been entrusted once again with a little soul.

Introducing....

Veronica Therese!
8 lbs (and a half an oz) and 20.7" long
Born at 3:17am on Friday, Feb. 13th!

We're in love!

The short story:
Labor was fine...Veronica is healthy....we're home!

The longer version (for those who are interested in the "details" of labor):
I had been having contractions consistently for 24 hours about 4 minutes apart, but nothing too bad. I was GBS+ this time so my doctor's advice was to try to get to the hospital "sooner rather than later" so we could get a round of antibiotics in. We had a tasty meal of Jimmy John's compliments of Brett's parents (they gave the kids gift certificates for Valentine's Day), dropped the kids off at a friend's house, and went to the hospital not knowing if we were going to stay or not.
My doctor was on call so he got right there and checked me. I was at 3.5cm and 70% effaced so definitely progressing, but not too quickly. However he did think that since my contractions had been so consistent that he was more comfortable keeping me and delivering instead of sending me home. Contractions picked up significantly, I was allowed to do whatever during labor (I even got some ice cream...score!), got my antibiotics and after they were in for 4 hours my doctor broke my water (at about 2:20am). In the past I never have very significant contractions until my water is broken so we felt that since we were really doing this thing we should get things going. I was at a 5 when my doctor broke my water and within probably 15-20 minutes I was pushing. After a self-regulated pushing experience (sooooo much better than the "hold your breath 1..2...3...etc...pushing) our precious baby girl was born with a slew of witnesses...my doctor, a colleague of his since my doc is both my doctor and Veronica's doctor (in case either one of us needed any extra attention), a faculty doc (mine is a resident), two nurses, and the most amazing husband in the world! Veronica had swallowed some meconium so we were watching her closely, but she was pronounced perfect and I was allowed to breastfeed immediately. My placenta (remember my lovely placenta from before?) was giving us problems again and not wanting to detach. Praise God it finally did and upon inspection it looked like at some point it did indeed try to detach prematurely. I was checked out, declared good (no tears), cleaned up a bit (which I will forever claim is worse than labor) and we were left alone for a couple of hours to nurse and bond. Before my doctor left the room my nurse inquired about pitocin to help my uterus contract, and his final words before leaving the room were, "Let her nurse for as long as she wants..she makes her own pitocin" (at least the natural version of it). Have I said how much I love our doctor!!!!! Since you are the brave souls who wanted the detailed version of the birth I do have to share with you that my bleeding has been so much better after this birth. Usually I'm bleeding more than the nurses/doctor likes, but this time I've had no problems.
Recovery has been great. Verronica nurses like a champion, and is absolutely perfect (naturally).

It's been....

75 days since we've eaten out! Just wanted to share.

And on the baby front. I've been having some pretty decent/semi-regular contractions this evening/tonight. We'll see if they hang around. If not, then I'm putting my request in for after the ice storm passes, and after the recital Brett has to play in. :-) Because, my requests counts and all.

And on the kid front. My heart is just full after getting to spend some absolutely amazing time with each precious kiddo tonight at bedtime. It seemed that everyone needed a little extra mommy tonight and I was happy to take the time. Sweet, sweet, sweet kids...my goodness how blessed we are. Truly the worst/worse (hmmmm...) part of birth for me is having to be in the hospital and away from my kids. I remember just crying after they left the hospital from visiting Gigi and I...and I'm sure my breakdown had nothing to do with me being completely hormonal. :-) Anyway, stay tuned....

You're Invited

Just so you know the details:
Emma informed me that after her wedding, when she marries a good friend in TX, they will be screening "Star Wars" and drinking strawberry margaritas, after they go strawberry picking. Hope to see you all there!

In case you're wondering

TMI WARNING FOR THOSE NOT INTERESTED IN DETAILS RELATED TO PREGNANCY!








Okay, so this isn't necessarily TMI because it's not really much "I" at all. :-) Got back from my doctor's appointment. I'm currently 2 cm and 50% effaced. So, a little bit more than last week. My doctor is going on a mandatory retreat Valentine's Day weekend, and I'm sure his wife and I are equally as thrilled about it. It would be very good if this baby came before then...but, all in good time I suppose. Hopefully we'll have more to report soon.

Missing something

I thought I should explain why I haven't posted many pictures lately. I have pictures, and maybe even one or two that I should share, but really...most of the pictures I take are of the kids playing outside. Well, wouldn't you know that after awhile the "outside pictures" all begin to look alike. Cute kids, bundled up so they can barely walk, playing around in white stuff. It will be that way for another month and half or so before the "great melt" begins.
However, do not fear there promises to be a very important photo op. coming up in the next 18 days (please baby, don't stay the full 18 days, we want to meet you and announce your name to everybody).

New word

Compliments of Aidan and quickly picked up and used often by Emma:

discoveration- as in, "I have to tell you about this discoveration I just made!"

Use it often, use it well.