Introducing: Claire Danielle Loveland

I haven't blogged in a while. I apologize. The past few weeks haven't been filled with much, besides trying everything I could think of to have this baby, and that's not really interesting to blog about. Well, nine days ago, she finally came! So now I can finally post something somewhat worth reading!

The Stats:

Born 8:17 PM

7 pounds 11 ounces

20 1/2 inches long, and just the cutest thing.

The Story:

I'm a vain person. My own mother even told me so. For the last few weeks, I'd make sure to do my hair and put on make up in the morning. Just in case that day was THE day. Then I'd shower at night, and tell the baby in my stomach that she isn't allowed to be born until the following day. Just so I wouldn't look too repulsive in pictures.

We decided Friday was going to be a great date night. We were planning on going to the dollar theater to see the Wall Street movie. Friday morning came and I spent literally 3 hours getting ready for my hot date. I did my face mask, painted my toes and fingers, curled my hair, and did a great job on my make up. I had my outfit picked out and was even planning on wearing heels. That didn't happen very often, being huge and all. Normally I just go with flip flops. This date was going to be a big deal. Our last date without kids for well, forever! I was scheduled to be induced Tuesday morning at 6:30 if she hadn't come by then.

5:00. I was on my way to pick up Ross, and was hurting a little. After dinner, I was hurting a lot more. We decided to stay home and just have a game night. There was no way I was going to be able to sit through a movie. By midnight, I was just about in tears so we went to the hospital. I hadn't progressed after an hour of being monitored, so the nurse suggested we walk around the hospital for half an hour to see if that would help. It didn't.

We got home around 3:30. Ross went right to sleep. I, on the other hand, was up all night. By morning, I was sure I couldn't handle any more pain. I didn't really want to go back to the hospital without being positive that I'd be coming home with a baby. I held out as long as I could. I took 4 showers/baths. Ross gave me a blessing, and we were off to the hospital again around 11. Turns out, I really didn't care WHAT I looked like.

While being monitored, the nurses were incredible. They did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. After half an hour, I still hadn't dilated more. They called my midwife and came back with great news. I WAS ADMITTED! After a few hours, and a wonderful epidural, Claire Danielle was born. This new addition is such a joy and great blessing.