My beautiful baby girl is here!!

Robin Jayde Clark ~ 7 lbs 15 oz ~ January 15, 2012 ~ 6:07 a.m.



PREFACE:

We were scheduled to be induced Monday January 16th at 7:15. I had been dilated to a 2+ and 80% effaced for more than 3 weeks, and even though my dr thought that I'd go into labor sooner than the 16th, nothing seemed to be happening until then - which is great cause we were able to get some projects finished and go to the temple with my bro and see him off for his mission and it had been requested by both photographer and my husband to at least try not to have her on the 14th. Jay had a full day at work that would be really hard to miss and the photographer had a bridal fair. So Saturday I took it easy! I did not want to go into labor quite yet, and I like the idea of having it planned as much as possible! So we thought that we were good for the 16th...well, Robin had plans of her own!:)

LABOR PAINS:

Saturday night I was having a hard time sleeping....nothing really new, but from the time I went to bed at 11:30 to the time I woke up Jay at 2:20 to time contractions I was up at least 8 times, not really hurting quite yet, but just from being uncomfortable. But by 2:20 contractions were coming on stronger and more often so I thought I'd wake the sleeping beauty:) I decided to take a bath - and Jay timed contractions. They were coming every 2-5 minutes apart and lasting 30-45 seconds and getting stronger. We decided we'd better get ready for the hospital! We called my mom to come to our house to watch Ethan and when she got there (with Kyle too!) We left for the hospital. On the way we texted Amanda, the photographer, but we wanted to be sure before we let anyone else know. We got to the hospital about 3:30 and got all checked in....(they took forever I swear!!) By the time they checked me, I was dilated to a 6 and about 90% effaced and I was so nauseous from the pain. I was throwing up at some point but I don't remember when in my timeline of events it occurred.

BIRTHING ATTENDEES:

Amanda got to our room not long after us, and since it sounded like the real deal we called our mom's to have them come. My mom left Kyle with Ethan and came up and my dad meet her there, and Jay and Lynda came up so about 4:00-4:15ish all grandparents were there. Stacie, my doc, got there probably just after grandparents.


SIDE NOTE:

With Ethan's birth, I felt like the epidural didn't take effect. They gave it to me about 10 minutes before he was born, and I had all feeling. Although they did give me quite a bit of other pain meds and sleeping aids - because we were induced and stayed the night before - but right after his birth I was able to get up and walk around. It also scared me more than the birth to have a needle that big go into my back, and I can still feel where they did go into my back from Ethan's, so with Robin's birth I decided I didn't want an epidural. I decided I'd rather just go through the pain - plus Stacie had predicted my labor would only last about 3 hours. I could last 3 hours - plus to not have to pay for the epidural would be very nice.

NURSING STAFF:

Our nurse was a mumbler. And she was making me CRAZY! She'd look over and say something to me and every time, I'd have to say "WHAT?" She was so annoying!! And probably about 4:15 I'd asked her if I could have something for pain....which seemed to not have register with her, cause I had to tell Stacie I hadn't had anything and had asked, so Stacie told the nurse again and finally I was given something (starting with a D) at about 5:15ish

LABOR:

Right after the dose of pain meds, Stacie had me get in the bath which was so nice for the pain - but as I as getting out - from the heat of the bath and the light-headiness of the pain medicine, and from already having been throwing up....I was feeling pretty sick! I made grandparents clear the room so I could get back into bed without flashing them all cause I wasn't going to dress again feeling that sick - the room was a horrible setup too, the sits for the grandparents were front row seating if you wanted to see or deliver the whole birthing, but for our parents, a couch back by my head would have been great.

I got back into bed feeling pretty awful, and I think at this point I was dilated to about an 8. I was having horrible leg pain and tried a few positions but with no relief, they asked if I wanted another dose of pain meds but I DID NOT!! I did not like the light-headiness and did not want to throw up. My legs hurt so bad, and were shaking like crazy, at this point I felt like they had to do something to get this baby out!!! ANYTHING!!!

POOPING A PUMPKIN:

Jay, Amanda and my mom were there for the delivery. I'm a little embarrassed about how much noise I was probably making but I WAS IN SERIOUS PAIN!!! Stacie told me just to listen to my body and push when I was ready. I pushed but was rewarded with more pain!! Maybe I'd just keep her in after all...but that wasn't going to work so I started again. With Ethan's delivery, there was 3 pushes....wish I could say the same for Robin. (Ethan was only 6 lbs 3 oz which probably helped) She still came pretty quick, but it did take longer than I would have liked.

MY REWARD:

Soon enough my little Robin was placed on my chest and although I was still very much in pain - It was all worth it!!!:) She is beautiful and I instantly feel in love!

AFTER:

After we got a chance to hold baby Robin and after the grandparents all had a turn, I wanted to be moved! I was very uncomfortable where I was and I wanted to get cleaned up and really enjoy holding and loving on my new baby, it seemed like to took a really long time, but finally they came in to take me to the new room. Jay and Robin went to the nursery and I got settled and more comfortable. We made plans to have Ethan go with my mom to church and then come to meet his new little sister. I was very anxious to see Ethan and see how he'd do with Robin.

BIG BROTHER:

Ethan came into our hospital room and gave me a big hug and was as cute as ever! We showed him baby sister and he'd say "That Robin." And give her some kisses. Robin gave Ethan a present, maybe a little too early cause after his present he lost all interest in her! She gave him a Woody doll and a super-cape for him to be "SUPER BROTHER" Ethan loved his Woody doll and was very happy to get it and he was so cute in his super cape!!

VISITORS AT THE HOSPITAL:

My mom and Ethan and Amanda
My mom and Ethan and Brad and Kyle.
Jay and Lynda
Candis and Aaron
Brian and Vanessa
Nicole and Nick
Wendy and her family
Jolley and Joey
Stacie

COMING HOME:

We were a little anxious to get home. For one, we missed Ethan! And those hospital beds are awful! I couldn't stand staying in bed while we were there so it made for a very uncomfortable stay. We got all checked out by Monday at noon and went to go get Ethan

VISITORS AT HOME:

Grandma Pauline
Brooke, Darren and their kiddos
Kensey
Grandma Mary and Grandma Pauline
My mom and Kathy Lifferth
Jay and Lynda

3 DAYS OLD:

Robin has been such a sweet baby!! She's beautiful!! We've decided that she looks like Ethan did, except fuller, lighter features and a smaller mouth. She has pretty blonde hair with quite a bit on the sides and back, her eyelashes have been complemented by many visitors and nurses and she's been a great eater and sleeper!! (NOT LIKE ETHAN WAS!!! Plus I think we've chilled out and learned a lot since Ethan too)

MY SWEET HUBBY:

Jay stayed at the hospital with me the entire time. He made sure I was comfortable and wanted to make sure I was being well taken care of. He has been such a good daddy to both Robin and Ethan. He's had a lot of demands from me and he's been so patient and loving. He's played a lot with Ethan to give him special attention and changed almost every diaper from both children. He is so in love with his "Daddy's Girl." and wants to snuggle her anytime I'll let him:) I'm so lucky to have such a sweet husband!!!