Family of Three

Mallory Grace Heath arrived on July 13, 2009 weighing in at 7 pounds and 14 ounces, 21 inches long. I won't lie, labor was AWFUL! It was by far the hardest thing i've ever done in my entire life and much more difficult than I had expected. My water broke at 4:45 am on the 13th, but contractions never started on their own so I had to be given pitocin to make them start. When they started they were strong and I had to get my epidural around 12:30. I was shaking, sweating and feeling like I was going to throw up before I got it. Fifteen minutes later, I felt like a new person and that lasted until about 7:00 and I started to feel the pain again on my left side. My nurses said that happened sometimes when the epidural would be more effective on one side than the other. I wasn't feeling anything on my right side, but EVERYTHING down my left side. I was back to the feelings of being hot and nauseated. Finally around 9:00, I was fully dilated and able to push. After two and a half hours of pushing, Mallory arrived at 11:31 pm. It is true when people say that you forget the pain. I didn't think it was possible at the time of delivery but everyday that goes by it does seem less and less traumatic, ha :)

Two and half weeks later, we are adjusting nicely. Breastfeeding gets a little easier everyday and today I can say it has actually been enjoyable. I guess I am getting used to very little sleep and holding a baby 24/7! She eats about every two to two and a half hours and is now starting to sleep in between feedings at night which is wonderful. For at least the first week, she had her days and nights confused big time and still does from time to time but at least we have more good nights now than bad. She is a very good baby and so far has never cried when we were not able to console her. Patrick and I are so blessed to have a healthy baby and we thank God for her everyday!

P.S. I would post more pics, but my internet SUCKS and it takes a really, really long time to upload them, so sorry!!