I never thought I could be this fortunate. Harper has exceeded all of my expectations for a pregnancy and baby. After witnessing close friends having issues with infertility, I realize how true a miracle for a baby to be conceived and born. I can hardly believe this miracle happened to us and I feel so blessed, grateful and even undeserving.
From conception, we were so surprised and excited to find out we were expecting. I knew almost instantly just a day or two after missing a period that I was prego.
On Adam's birthday, we were again surprised to find out we were having a girl. I was 100% certain and content with having another baby boy and brother for Atticus. I don't think I've ever shed tears of joy until this day after finding out the good news. Adam had been right all along about this one being a girl!
As her birth date came closer, I was shocked to find out I was already dilated to 2 cm on March 31st. We had speculated having an early delivery, but this seemed to solidify it. It was a little discouraging when nothing happened before my next appointment on April 6, which I had by then progressed to 3 cm. The doctor believed I was minutes, hours, or days at most away from labor. She was going on vacation on 4/12 and said she would be happy to induce the next day so she could deliver and because I was already progressed so far along. Adam and I talked and opted out of this wanting Harper to come on her own and not wanting to risk ANY complications with this baby. This very night I began feeling uncomfortable contractions in my back and abdomen. I was sure Tuesday was the night. I laid down to go to sleep believing I would be woken up sometime in the night to go to the hospital. When I woke up in the morning, the contractions were gone and I got up to go to work instead. :( I determined Wednesday 4/7 to be my last day. I experienced the same painful contractions again on Wednesday and Thursday night until they ceased in my sleep. By Friday morning, I was getting really impatient and called Friday morning to have my doctor check me once more before she went on leave. I was able to get in and she determined I was now 4 cm dilated. The contractions I had been feeling for the past 3 nights had been working in my favor. By Friday afternoon I was really contracting and decided by the evening that I wasn't going to lay down in case this would make them go away again. I called my wise friend Monica who is an expert on making and having babies and she gave me some excellent tips to keep my contractions going. After doing some Karate kicks, squats and a few other things I called the hospital at 10:00 PM and was admitted after 11:00 PM to a birthing room. I had dilated to 6 cm and was 75% effaced! I got an epidural just after 1:00 AM and my water was broken at 5:00 AM. After my water broke, I had continued dilating to 10 cm with the help of a small dose of pitocin. By 6:30, I felt the pressure to push and sure enough after 4 or 5 tries, Harper was delivered at 6:57 AM (just in time for the nurses to transfer shifts at 7:00 AM). She weighed 7 lbs 9.1 oz and was 19 inches long. Needless to say, this was one of the best mornings of my life and was a picture perfect TLC baby story. The nurse herself even commented on this being one of her best labor and deliveries.
I came home from the hospital on Sunday 4/11 and have had the best two weeks getting to know Harper and witnessing the change and unity in our new family dynamic. Adam has been the best having around day in and out. Atticus has taken well to Harper, but demands his mommy (and Thomas) now more than before. I have been able to divide my attention well between both with time. Adam went back to work today, so I juggled both and it had a great day. As long as I front load my love and attention to Atticus, he more easily allows me to take care of the baby. His Thomas and Friends video sure does help too. :)
At Harper's last appointment at 11 days old, she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz... which is a 12 oz. gain! She also grew an inch and a half.
