Welcome to Our Family

Welcoming Hallie *insert middle name here* Harper

Birthday: Thursday, January 6, 2011; 2:55 PM

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

Length: 20 inches

Proud Daddy and VERY excited big brother!

Jackson, upon seeing Hallie, chanted "A baby, A baby, A baby' and climbed right up on Daddy's knees to hug and kiss her.  He is a very proud big brother who will be so good to her. 

If you are interested in the birth story: (way too many details, but it is my journaling)
On Wednesday,  Jan 5 I had a Dr's Appt.  I was told that I had not progressed since last week (dilated 2 cm effaced 50%) and was still quite posterior, so if that didn't change we would cancel my induction date (set for 1-11-11).  I came home from the appt. very sad and discouraged.  My body ached and I was so uncomfortable sleeping, walking, standing, climbing stair, etc.  Plus, this meant that I had to go back to work, which is difficult to do at this point.  I was feeling like she would never get here.  I hadn't felt any contractions since Dec. 23.  We started watching the BYU vs. UNLV at 8 pm.  I'll tell you, Jimmer is so frustrating when he isn't on his game and this is right when I started noticing a tightening of the uterus.  It wasn't painful and it was only in the front of my abdomen (which is signs of false labor).  With Jackson, the first contraction I felt was in the back and very painful, so I didn't really know what to think of these non-painful contractions.   (P.S. Jimmer did get his game on and BYU won, but I was still contracting) Since the contractions were some what consistent I made a few comments to Dave that 'maybe tomorrow was the day'  or 'pack our bags'.  To try and save me the disappointment he kept reminding me it was nothing and I tried not to think about it and we went to sleep.  I got up twice to pee and both times tried to feel if I was feeling a contraction, but it wasn't strong enough to keep me awake. 
Then at 4:45 I woke with a back contraction.  I am not sure it was very painful, but since it was stronger, I got excited enough that I couldn't sleep.   I read a book for a few hours until I felt the contractions were consistent and strong and it was past 7 so I could wake Dave up.  My last labor, it took 24 hours of strong, consistent contractions to dilate to a 3.  So I was feeling like I needed to be prepared for a LONG time of contractions.   At first I was doing pretty good to relax during the contractions.  I was walking around more (which is hard when it makes the contractions worse).  I played with Jackson.  I got a blessing.  Dave was getting ready to go, but I started feeling worse and worse and getting more antsy.  Part of me thought, 'If I am progressing, I want the epidural NOW' but the other part thought 'don't get your hopes up, you still have a LONG time before you progress enough to be admitted'.  I guess the earlier though won out because I started rushing Dave to get everything ready. 
We arrived at the hospital at 11.  I was thinking that I still felt really good between contractions (about 3-5 mins apart) so that must mean I wasn't getting closer and I was being a baby about the pain.  Dave and I were both praying as I got checked that they wouldn't send me home.  Being checked is really difficult for me because I am "posterior" which means my cervix is 'way up there.' So as I am being checked I think ' I haven't progressed at all!!"  but then the nurse says, "You are a SEVEN!"  and I breathed a huge sigh of relief and said "See, I am not a baby!"  I was so proud that I handle contractions that long :) (I know all you people who delivered naturally are laughing at me :) but last time I only had contractions to a 3! )
They rushed to admit me, put the IV in and get the epidural going.  The nurses were convinced the baby was coming fast and I started to get nervous.  I wanted a little more time to get ready and relax and prepare.  The epidural slowed things down a bit and I got my wish.  did I mention I LOVE epidurals?!?  I was so warm and relaxed.  I just lay there and enjoyed feeling great! My little sister Melinda came and then  my mom came later.  We were unsure about having people there, but it was a good experience to share with others.
At 2:30 I was progressed to a 10.  My own doctor wasn't around, but I like the Dr. who delivered me (Dr. Watabe) I started pushing through 3 or 4 contractions.  Dave had a reality shock as soon as he could see her black hair.  This is when it starts to become real to him that there is a BABY coming.  With only a few pushes I could feel her so close to coming, so we just kept pushing.  She was quiet at first and I kept thinking,' is she breathing?'  I'm not sure why, but with both babies I don't feel like I could see them as soon as I want to, which makes me nervous for a few seconds.  But soon enough she was out and on my chest and crying.  Those moments are hard to describe.  I am not a crier, but I definitely get choked up as I marvel in the miracle of birth.   It was so wonderful to finally see and meet the little critter I have felt for months.  My initial thoughts we of the round cheeks and rolls on her thighs.  I thought she was so chunky! (turns out she was!)  Then I compared her to Jackson, and I was shocked how different she looked.  Same parents, similar pregnancy, totally different baby.  I am excited to see how the differences play out as she grows and develops into her own person. 
I didn't have an episiotomy and only had minor tears!  The placenta took a long time to completely detach and the dr.  had to work on it from inside and out.  I was even more grateful I had an epidural at that point. 
Our little girl didn't have a name when she was born.  When they put her on me, the only thing I thought was "Hello, baby girl!" - no magical inspiration on her name.   Before the hospital, I was pretty convinced she would be named Whitney, but for some reason it didn't fit.  Natalie was out completely in my mind.  Dave mentioned Hallie which is a name we considered earlier, and was still on our list, but we hadn't been serious about it recently.  In the next several hours I nearly called her Hallie several times and it just seemed to fit.  We were worried about committing to a name, but since she was here we needed to pick.  The first couple of times to call her Hallie were strange, but it is starting to fit.  We hope our best friends will forgive us for using the same name they picked for their little girl :)

Hallie is a GREAT eater, strong sucker.  She has had 2 blow outs that have 'blown the nurses away' (we got off easy this time :) ).  She is so healthy and strong.

We love you Hallie and can't wait to get to know you better!