If you follow me on instagram, you've seen that I finally had my baby and that she is absolutely beautiful!
The night before I was induced, I was really nervous. I wished that I wouldn't have to be induced and that I could go into the labor naturally, but because of schedules and airplane departures, we really couldn't wait any longer.
Despite my worries and fears over being induced and on Pitocin, the labor went very smoothly and I was able to do it without any pain medications. Andrew was so supportive and helpful and truly became my teammate, cheerleader, and coach. He counted my breathing repetitions, said words of encouragement, rubbed my feet and legs, and told me that I could do it when I truly believed that I couldn't.
^^ before the contractions got really painful ^^
Delivering my baby naturally is the most difficult and painful thing I have ever done. It is also the most rewarding, amazing experience I have ever had. I can't fully describe the feelings I had when I first saw my baby. It was like in the movies when time stands still, and one moment lasts forever. She was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and all the pain I had experienced before that time didn't matter, didn't even exist. When they delivered her and placed her on my chest, every detail was clear. Her smell, the color of her skin, her hair, the way her tiny body felt so warm against mine, the way she stopped crying the moment I began singing... I've never had a feeling quite like it in my life.
We named her Alexa. We feel so blessed to have her in our home and in our lives and love her so much already! Chelsea is still learning to be gentle when she shows love for her little sister (hugs are just a little too tight), but she is learning and has been so helpful. She likes to give Alexa the pacifier when she is crying and sharing her favorite blankie with her, too (sometimes).
I am so glad that I was able to have the experience of delivering Alexa without the epidural, but more importantly, I'm glad that she arrived safely and is now here with us in our home. She is temperate and mild, sleeps well, and doesn't cry when big sister loves on her a little too roughly. We are so blessed to have her in our lives and look forward to getting to know her better. We love you, Alexa!
Susan is a birth photographer/videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? Contact Susan for EDD availability.