Going Home-ish

We left the hospital today around 5:30. We decided that instead of going to our house we would go to my parent's house. Our house isn't fume ridden like it was, but it still is a long way from truly functioning. I figured we didn't need to be surrounded by the stress and constant reminder that it isn't quite finished yet. Our families have been so amazing and helpful throughout my pregnancy and delivery. I don't know how we could have survived without them. They are so wonderful.

As we leave the hospital, I want to thank all of you who came to visit us. Of course our family - Mimi & Papa Snowden, Lolli & Pops Wills, the whole Brunson crew, Mimi and Papaw Wills, Annette Wills, Angel Wills, Trista Wills, Don & Brenda Wills, Cody & Apryle. Our friends - Kristina & Jack Sheaffer, Ashley Hamilton.

What an experience...can't wait to spend the days with my amazing husband and beautiful daughter.

Beautiful Girl

Today is the 3rd day of Baby Ramona. I have really had a hard time getting a picture of her during those fleeting moments when she has her eyes open. Finally this morning I was able to capture this gem:

Childbirth

The whole child birth experience was great. I was so fortunate to have an easy delivery and no pain really. I was really scared going into the hospital not knowing what to expect but knowing that this was it after 40 weeks of build up. For those of you who don't know, I'm terrified of needles. I cried when they placed the IV. Nick held my hand and tried to calm me down. I was told I could have an epidural as soon as I wanted it. After the first contraction, I requested it. There was really no reason for me not to since it was inevitable and there's no point in having pain when I don't have to. The numbing part of the epidural was the worst. All in all things were not as big of a deal as I expected. At 3:30 I began pushing and Ramona arrived at 4:12. It would have been sooner, but we had to wait for Dr. Robbins to show up.

When Dr. Robbins held Ramona out, everyone in the room dropped their jaw. (And by everyone I mean everyone - 3 NICU nurses, Dr. Robbins and the 2 nurses helping her, Nick, my mom, his mom, and my sister Alicia) Not only was she probably the cutest baby they'd ever seen :) but no one expected to see such a big baby! She was 8 lbs 8 oz and completely beautiful. Since she had meconium in utero, the NICU had to clean and suction her up immediately. I didn't get to hold her for what seemed like forever but was probably somewhere around 20 minutes. I was glad they didn't take her out of the room, so I was still able to see her. It is amazing to finally have her here and in my arms. I didn't want to give her back to the nurses for her bath!

I am finding out the downside of childbirth and that's the recovery. Since there is no longer that amazing thing referred to as an epidural, I am in lots of pain. It's difficult to get up and down and well just around even just pulling myself up in bed. I am walking like an old women. However I can say it is totally worth it a million times over.

Ramona has blue eyes (for now) and a full head of dark hair which come as a surprise to both of us. We can't even put into words how much we love this precious little girl.

Ramona Pics

I will give more of an update later, but for now, here are some pics from the last couple of days.

The Labor Part

It's that time! We arrived at the hospital at 7 am for me to be induced. I got my IV (so not fun). I opted for the epidural pretty much after the 1st contraction with the meds. I figured I might as well do it immediately since they'd let me. The numbing part of the epidural was awful. I squirmed despite my best efforts. The rest wasn't too terrible definitely worth it thus far. Nick has been video taping on and off since our departure from the house. He wasn't feeling that great this morning due to allergies. He's feeling better now and anticipating Ramona's grand entrance!

Lolli and Mimi arrived shortly after the epidural around 9:00 anxiously awaiting the arrival of their sweet granddaughter Ramona. Lolli's first grandchild and Mimi's third.

I'm keeping myself busy with conversation, facebook, and of course the blog!

40 Weeks

I made it all the way to her due date. I'm a bit surprised, but glad that she's cooperated with the remodel timeline. We have a date set to induce Tuesday the 6th. I am super nervous but ready to meet Ramona! I am going to go to work on Monday because I think I might just drive myself into a manic frenzy if I don't!

Last Doctor's Visit

I went to my last doctor's appointment today. There has been no physical change since the first initial shock a couple of weeks ago. I haven't gained any weight either. I will be under my 30 pound goal! Awesome. I went ahead and schedule to be induced on Tuesday. I would really like for her to arrive this weekend but at least I know there's a definite end in sight. It won't be long until I get to hold our precious baby girl in my arms! We are going to be working on the house all weekend. Let's hope we get semi-settled before she arrives. We still need the trim to be installed which will make such a huge difference and the floors will really look amazing! Amazing how everything is coming together. God is so great and has worked everything out.