Sprout's Big Arrival!

It finally happened! Sprout came!

She was born on July 6, at 2 am - 6 pounds 15 oz, 19 inches long. She's so long and skinny! And she's absolutely beautiful!
Disagree? Well, you would be wrong!

Her story:
Saturday, after a fabulously greasy lunch of a Reuben sandwich and fries at the local diner, Mr. Wonderful and I headed off to do our groceries for the week. In the checkout line, I felt a little trickle - and then another little trickle. I told Mr. W that I thought my water had broken. When I checked at home, I really wasn't sure. A few trickles later, I was pretty sure, but still not convinced. I called the doula, and the hospital for advice, and had a good "OMG, this could be it" cry, and then the contractions started.
Now, when they say 'you will know a real contraction from a Braxton Hicks' they are lying! My first contractions were very mild. I argued Mr. W on timing them - denial, perhaps? I was sure I was not in fact starting labour, and that I was just getting everyone all excited for nothing.
When he timed a few contractions, though, they were only 3 minutes apart. The doula convinced us to head for the hospital. On the way, I became thoroughly convinced that I was, in fact, in labour. It felt terrible, and exciting all at once.

When we got to the hospital, we were sent to triage, where they assessed me at 'definitely not that far gone' and sent us to walk around the halls. I am convinced they would have sent us home if I hadn't proven I was in a bad way. Puke will do that for you. They immediately sent us to our suite.

6 hours of labour later, including 25 minutes of pushing myself inside out, some time in the tub, a lot of time in a rocking chair, and a fair bit of time in bed - Sprout came barreling into the world.

Can I brag for a minute? All natural. No drugs, just an amniotomy (they broke my water). Crowning and birthing the head are the Worst Pain Ever - but I lived, and I know I can do it. Wonder what you look like after giving birth?


Fat, and swollen, and very happy.
And maybe a little tired.

And like your shirt fell off.





And here's what the babe looked like, brand new -- just a few minutes old. AWWWwwwwwWW!