She's here...

Clarissa Eden Hunter was born Saturday, August 15th at 7:37pm.

She weighed 6lb 10oz and was 20.5 inches long.

Clarissa is one week old now and doing great. The girls LOVE her. They take turns over and over holding her. They prayed everyday that mommy's baby would come out safe and healthy. I am so grateful that their prayers were answered. If you want to read the details of the labor and delivery, it is below...

I woke up Saturday morning with contractions, I tried to ignore them. I was afraid I was having false labor because I was two weeks early. Meanwhile, I was hoping and praying that I would have the baby. Collin let me sleep in and made a big breakfast, which was the only thing I ate all day. Then he headed out the door for the day. All I had told him, was that my Braxton Hicks were getting stronger. I cleaned the house, ironed, did laundry, dishes, took a bath... anything I could think of to pass the time.

By 2, I tried to take a nap. I could not sleep because the contractions were consistently every 10 min. I finally started packing. Collin got home around 4:30. I told him I thought I was going to have the baby today. He looked at me a little puzzled, but just said 'sounds good to me'. By 5, my pains were getting much more intense and were every 5 minutes or so. I had to stop what I was doing and focus on breathing. Collin would put counterpressure on my hips, which helped a lot. After feeding the girls dinner, we finally called a neighbor. She came and got the girls about 6:15.

We headed to the hospital. I was so afraid they would tell me to go home. As Collin turned into the parking lot I said, 'no, I don't want to go!' So he turned the car around. Just then, I had another contraction and quickly changed my mind saying, 'okay, we better get in there!' By the time they got me settled and checked in, I was already at 7 or 8 centimeters dialated. I was so relieved. They immediately set things up for the baby to be born. We called mom and dad to come get the girls.

My doctor was gone, so I had requested the midwife to come. My nurse was actually studying to be a midwife too, so I was pleasantly surprised with the help and support they gave me. I spent most of the last 30 minutes standing up and on the birthing ball. (The first 30 minutes was laying on the bed answering all the questions.) Collin was supporting me and the nurse was doing counter pressure on my hips. It was actually very comfortable. When I was ready to push, I climbed in the bed on my hands and knees and delivered the baby that way.

It was the first time I have been able to immediately hold the baby to my skin. She was so quiet and content, no screaming. They did not take her away for a couple hours. I just nursed her.

My parents had driven down, picked up the girls, their bags, and car seats then come to the hospital and baby had already been born. The girls each had a turn holding their new baby sister. Then they headed home with Grandma and Grandpa Rydalch until Thursday. (Thanks a million mom and dad!!) Collin has also worked from home all week. It has been nice having so much time with Collin and the baby. I am not sure I am ready to take care of four kids on my own!!!