We always knew we wanted a 3rd baby, but we knew we wanted a gap between Adley and the next one. I also loved the way I grew up with 2 older siblings, so this spread was something I was used to and wanted to try in our own family. After 5 months of trying, we found out in May we were pregnant and due on my mom's birthday, January 13. We were so excited! (And a little scared). haha We were going into the baby phase again!
The kids were so excited. They've been wanting a sibling for years! They were so helpful and understanding throughout the whole pregnancy. They talked to my tummy all the time - especially toward the end, and they always referred to the baby as "bro." Apparently they both thought they were getting a brother. One night, Parker said -
"Hey Bro. It's me, Parker. I'm going to be you big brother! Your sister is pretty cool, too. Your mom's a good cook, and your dad is a firefighter! You're gonna love being in our family." Cue tears. That was the sweetest thing ever.
Since our other babies were born in Aurora, we had to find a new OB, deliver at a new hospital, etc. etc. The pregnancy wasn't my favorite. I've never loved being pregnant, but this time I was feeling yucky the first 16 weeks, and I gagged every time I took a fish oil. hah! I also had 2 times where I was spotting, so those were a little scary. Thank goodness everything turned out okay. In addition to those things, I had to get a bunch of extra blood work done because I had mild anemia, and then I kept having high blood pressure. So, it's safe to say I was MORE than ready to be done being pregnant.
I was having some mild contractions for several days, and I thought for SURE I'd go into labor naturally - which never happened with the Parker and Adley. (I was induced a week late with Parker, and with Adley, my water was leaking but I never progressed, so I was basically induced with her, too). Anyway, we were on edge! I didn't love that Ryan was on shift so far away, but I had great support from family and neighbors in case I needed someone urgently. Ryan's mom and aunt even spent the night at our house once I was overdue when he was on shift.
I went in for my 40 week appointment on Monday and scheduled an induction for 6am on Friday the 18th. I really didn't think I'd make it that far. That whole week was a bit frustrating. We walked a ton at the park district, ate spicy food, etc. etc. Nothin. Thursday night we went to a basketball game and then dropped the kids at my parents. It was SO WEIRD knowing next time we saw them we were going to have their baby sibling. I better mention that we did not find out the gender of the baby beforehand. I was sure it was a girl - for selfish reasons. According to the wives tales, a girl takes your beauty during pregnancy. Well, I broke out like crazy, I was extra sweaty, and I gained so much weight! My face got super puffy and I avoided the mirror. That's probably a dramatic explanation, but you know how some women are "glowing" when they're pregnant? Not me.
Okay, so that night we watched a hilarious comedian that I was dying laughing at. Then we set our alarms for 4 am. I fell asleep easily and slept pretty good until about 3. We got to the hospital at 6 am and got checked in. Then, around 7, the craziest thing happened - I went into labor on my own! (Thank you God!!) We could not believe it. I was having contractions that were actually somewhat painful, but I felt like such a baby because I just got there. They couldn't be that bad, right? My doctor came at 8am. I was at 4cm so she asked me if I wanted her to break my water. I said "Yes, but get that epidural ordered STAT!" Again, I felt like a baby for asking so soon, but I was NOT about to miss that window. I knew it was about to get a lot worse. The breaking of the water was non eventful (thank goodness because it was with Adley). There was meconium present, though. I didn't really know the dangers of that, so I didn't worry about it. I think Ryan was googling it and was nervous about it. The next 30 minutes were rough. Definitely painful. The nurse came to do my epidural - she was amazing and it went super super well. Another HUGE answer to prayer. Turns out I went from 4 to 8cm while I waited, so I wasn't being a baby after all. I rested for about 10 minutes and then I felt some pressure again. It was already time to have a baby!! The whole morning I just could not believe how quickly and smoothly it was going. It was really the dream situation. Exactly what we prayed for.
Ryan got to help deliver, so he was all gowned up. The baby came out rather quickly and then he said "It's a GIRL!!" I was so happy. I knew it was a girl. Bristol Lynn was born at 10:19. 7lbs 6oz, 21 in. She was perfect.
I wanted the kids to have to wait until they got to the hospital to find out if we had a boy or girl, but we couldn't do it. We told them via text and then they were on their way to meet her. Parker said he and Grandma cried when they found out and Adley kept getting her name confused. She thought it was Rosalyn for some reason? Anyway, when they walked in the door of our hospital room, they instantly looked HUGE and several years older. Wow. It was really fun watching them meet her. They were quite smitten.
Family of 5!
Papa and Grandma thought she was pretty great, too.
Ryan's Uncle Kevin and Aunt Kris had been here with their camper all of October and ended up staying through November. Then they said they'd be back January 7-14. I thought for sure the baby would come then. Luckily they were able to extend their stay just a bit more and came with Poppo and Nana to meet Bristol the day she was born.
What a great day. I was feeling super good. I actually had no pain, she was latching well, and I was relieved to be on the flip side. <3 p="">
We love you so much sweet girl.
It's amazing how your heart can expand more than you ever thought possible. <3 p="">
