River's Birth

I know some people love to hear details about labor and delivery, so here you go! If you don't care, feel free to just scroll down and see the pictures. :)

I had an appointment on my due date, and was still only dilated to a 3. I was not a very happy camper. I woke up that night with painful contractions around 1:30AM. I decided to labor at home until my contractions were 5 minutes apart, and then call mom, who lives 1/2 hour away. I wanted to stay home longer, where I could labor more comfortably, but decided I was going to get an epidural as soon as I got to the hospital! :) Around 3:30AM my contractions abruptly went from being 7 minutes apart to being 3.5 minutes apart. After 15 minutes of them staying at 3.5 minutes apart, I hurried and called mom. Mom got to my house around 4:30AM and Logan and I hurried to the hospital (about 2 minutes away). When I got to the hospital, they quickly admitted me (they didn't even make me go to triage -- I was obviously in active labor!). They checked me, and I was dilated to a 7! Yay! They were a little worried the anesthesiologist wouldn't have time to put in an epidural, but fortunately, she was willing to do it!

My doctor came in around 6:30AM and broke my water. I was then dilated to a 5. Yes, a 5! I didn't even know it was possible to go backwards! They sat me up, hoping that baby's head would lower, and that I would quickly dilate. Again. At 7:30 I was dilated to an 8! At 8AM I was fully dilated. My doctor came back in around 8:10AM and after pushing for two contractions, River was born at 8:19AM! My gigantic 9 pound 9 ounce, 20.5" long baby girl! Only 8 hours overdue. :)

Obligatory scale picture. I promise 4345 grams converts to 9lbs 9oz. :)

Marmie brought Lucy and Kaya just in time to see River getting cleaned up!

So happy to have Mom in Utah this time around. :)

 I was a little sad that not very many people visited us in the hospital when Kaya was born (mostly since my parents and ALL of my siblings were out of the state), so I was VERY happy that so many people visited us! I definitely felt the love! :)

Yess wins the prize for coming to the hospital both times!

Tice and Shelby get bonus points for bringing us Nielson's!

Not pictured was Shamus, one of our friends from the ward who brought as a Marie Calendar's pie! It was so nice! And delicious. Our nurse appreciated it too! :)

I'm so happy that Cali and Hannah and their families were visiting when River was born! It was such a treat to have them here. It was especially fun for Lucy and Kaya, who loved playing with their cousins when they stayed at Marmie's house!

Cali and Josh basically drove straight to the hospital!

Hannah came over as soon as she could!

Also great timing, was that Logan's parents got home from their mission the day after River was born! Logan picked them up from the airport, and they (and JD and Kate!) came right over to meet River! We are SO happy to have them home! I'm so so sad we didn't take any pictures though. Here's one taken a few days later:

I'm so so grateful that River arrived safely and healthy. It's crazy that we are now a family of five! But so far we are loving it! I am also grateful for so many friends and family that have helped us these last four weeks! I love you all!!!!

Happy to be a family of five!

Ready to go home!