We welcomed Olivia Paige Barnes to our family on February 2nd, 2010.
We arrived at the hospital at 7 AM for a scheduled induction. My water was broken at 9 AM. The contractions started to become more and more intense so I was given the epidural. The epidural seemed to have worked because the contractions were not as intense however I still felt them a little. I just assumed that was normal, I don’t know what I was thinking because with Jillian I didn’t feel a thing! Well, as the contractions increased so did the pain. It became very apparent that the epidural wasn’t working right. I was pressing the button every 15 minutes or so to try to increase the pain meds, nothing worked. The anesthesiologist came back to give me a larger dose, this only worked on the left half of my body. The contractions became stronger and stronger. This was the most pain I had ever felt in my entire life. All these women who chose to do natural child birth are CRAZY! I can’t understand why someone would elect to have that much pain inflicted on themselves? My pain was apparently even too hard to watch, my mom had to leave. The anesthesiologist came back in and re-inserted the epidural. Finally the contraction pain subsided. Unfortunately, the need to push came right away. This was almost as bad as the contractions themselves. The nurses had called my doctor; she had gone home for the day. It only took her about 15 minutes to arrive but it felt like a lifetime. When I was finally able to push, I was exhausted. I had a hard time pushing. Olivia was born at 7:19 PM on February 2nd, 2010. When she came out her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. Fortunately once the cord was cut Olivia started crying, there was no damage done to her breathing. The doctor said that the wrapped cord is what made the pushing harder. Just my luck!
Olivia was so alert right after birth; I got to look into her beautiful (slate grey) eyes. I can’t wait to see what her eye color will be J! Olivia’s weight at birth was 6lbs 1oz. Her height was 18.5 inches. She is absolutely perfect! It was so neat to see the similarities between her and Jillian. When Olivia cried I could totally see Jillian. As the hours went by I noticed more and more all of Olivia’s individual beautiful traits. She was able to nurse right away; she is a very good eater. Everything else went smoothly at the hospital.
On Thursday the nurse found that Olivia may have jaundice, but the pediatrician had already come by earlier and couldn’t come back to check. So we saw our doctor today. Everything is fine!! We were excited to not have to go through phototherapy like we did with Jillian.
Our first day back home went great! Jillian was super excited to have mommy and daddy home again! She gave Olivia a kiss and wanted to point out her eyes, nose, and mouth. It was very cute. I don’t think she is truly aware of what has happened. She has just been going about her business as usual. Which is great!! She does want Adrian more than me though; she’s become a Daddy’s Girl for sure!! I think it’s because he’s had to take over so much of the parenting duties during my pregnancy, and continues to do so still. I am so blessed that he is an amazing father and husband!
I’m trying to get as much rest as I can with having a newborn and a toddler in the house. Thank goodness I have such a strong support system here at home! My family is the absolute best!
Click on the picture below to visit our growing album of Olivia.
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| Olivia Paige Barnes |