Building a House: Pictures! Lots!

This post has taken soooo long to finish. This has been a work in progress over the course of a few days. And just to warn you the first picture I would consider a little less than decent, but I just had to include it. So as you look at these pictures remember that I write on this blog with my friends and family of the female persuasion in mind! ;-)

To start with I'll write a short little blurb about the labor and delivery. The labor was really great. Honestly, I think it was the best labor I've experienced yet. We could tell the baby was in a good position, so the pain was relatively low. Active labor didn't seem like much to me and I spent most of my time in the water. I can say I was able to completely relax and my midwife said I looked like a frog.

It started being not so fun once transition came, but I was able to find a good position and with counter-pressure on my lower back, the pain was relieved quite a bit. But the delivery was eventful. Abrielle had the cord around her neck and under her shoulder which prevented her from descending in a normal manner. Then when she finally made her appearance, she did not just slip out. My midwife helped Abrielle by sommersaulting her out - something better explained in person. I felt it all, Doug saw it all, and he relayed to me how it worked exactly.

Now, on to pictures:

I really did not want to include the above picture, but I just have to show you what I really look like after labor with messy hair, funky skin from pregnancy (that dot on my nose showed up during my last pregnancy and made its reappearance during this one), typical dark circles around my eyes, no make up, but a huge smile of relief and joy. I am no beauty queen, especially after labor no matter how long or short it is.

My sweet husband with his new daughter! Who needs to hire a doula when you have Doug around? My midwife came into the room at one point and said, "Well, obviously you have a great doula and don't need me right now. If you do need anything just ask, but it looks like Doug is doing a great job with you."

Abrielle getting checked out thoroughly while I enjoyed a hot shower. She is about two hours old here.

The rest of the team - Margaret, my midwife, is dressed in the dark colors. Sharon was her assistant for the day. My good friend, Terri, is usually Margaret's assistant, but she left for a visit to CA in the morning just as my real labor was starting. It was a bummer that Terri missed it, but if I was going to choose a replacement for her, it would have been Sharon, so I was thankful when she walked in the door. This was Sharon's first time to assist Margaret solo. I also promised these ladies I would not post this picture all over facebook, but I said nothing about my blog! You also have to know that these ladies kept me laughing during labor and even right up to delivery! I am not kidding, I was even laughing during contractions. Doug says, "Only Margaret could get away with that." But the jokes and laughter were a wonderful distraction. I have some funny memories stored away from this day.

This is the next morning before Doug picked up the other kids from our friends' house. We sent this picture out to family in e-mail and I'm afraid this is what people think I look like right after givig birth. Ha!