Welcome Adia Joy! June 27, 2013

We welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world on Thursday, June 27, 2013. At my 38 week OB appointment, Adia was measuring about 7.5 pounds. Dr. Barker told us that there was no medical reason why we would need to induce early, but that a baby is at its healthiest and smallest at 39 weeks; after that, all they do is get bigger. Because of my history of pushing for long periods (2.5 hours and 1.5 hours) and eventually using the vacuum to help get the babies out (babies that weighed 5 lb 13 oz and 7 lb 8 oz), thinking of trying to push out an even bigger baby worried me, so we decided to go ahead and induce at 39 weeks, 1 day gestation.

We chose to deliver at Erlanger Hospital downtown again. Like last time, we had to arrive at the hospital at 4am the morning of the induction.

Jeremy and I, ready to leave for the hospital around 3:15 am

While getting my IV in proved to be challenging, the third time was the charm, and they had the pitocin started by 5:15. Much like my labor with Micah, things started slow. I was dilated 3 cm when Dr. Barker came that morning around 9:00. He was going to break my water, but the baby was still up too high, so he was unable to do so. I had already asked for the anesthesiologist just before Dr. Barker arrived as my contractions were starting to be more intense, and I wanted to have my epidural in before or shortly after my water breaking. I hate getting epidurals, but I sure am thankful for them!

Here I am, finally hooked up, looking gargantuan in the lovely hospital gown, waiting for things to progress

 We had an awesome L&D nurse - Taylor. She came back in to check my progress a little while after the epidural and found that my water had broken on its own! This was very exciting as my water had to be broken in both my previous labors. I was so numb from the epidural, I had no idea. At that point, things started moving much more quickly. In fact, by the time Dr. Barker was able to get to the hospital and dressed, I was NEEDING to push. Much to my amazement, I only pushed for 10 minutes - 10 MINUTES! We did have one little snag where the baby's shoulder was hung up and not wanting to come out, but Dr. Barker was able to free her shoulder, and we had a beautiful baby girl!

We were surprised to see a knot in the umbilical cord when the baby came out. Dr. Barker thought that it was probably from the maneuvering to get the shoulder free but kind of crazy nonetheless. Conception/pregnancy/birth is SUCH an amazing miracle. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to experience this miracle three times! Baby Adia Joy was born at 12:09 pm, weighed 8 lbs 0 oz, and was 20.5 inches long. She was perfect - perfectly healthy and perfectly beautiful. It amazes me how much all 3 of my babies have looked alike!

Dr. Barker and Adia

Taylor getting Adia's footprints

First time holding Adia Joy

Daddy's first time holding the baby

Long, thin feet and toes!

We were fortunate that Adia and I both were doing well enough that we were able to go home from the hospital the day after she was born. We were welcomed home with signs and balloons that Jeremy's parents had hung up. It was good to be home!