Little Surprises

So, Tuesday night I awoke several times with contractions. Every time I thought to time them, I'd look at the clock...and then fall asleep. I had no idea what time the last one had been.

Wednesday morning Chip and I woke up. I told him about the contractions and we had a good laugh about it. Then we went into the bathroom and I noticed that my mucus plug had come out. CRAZY!!! Well, everything I've heard about the mucus plug says that it could be a couple of days or weeks before delivery, so I wasn't too concerned. However, I started having some pretty serious contractions and they seemed regular, although I never really timed them. Chip was supposed to go on a business trip that day. We finally decided he should stay home and we should go to the hospital.

But first, we had to get sis to school and buddy to Chip's parents. So we waited until about 8:30 to go in. I was nervous that the contractions were going to stop and they'd send us back home. We got to the hospital and got checked in. After getting in my lovely gown and onto the bed, my nurse checked me to see how far along I was. I was already at 5 centimeters. I was half way there! So, I got the epidural a bit later and then a little after that, she was here!!!

That's right, I had my baby girl 3 weeks and 2 days early. 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 18 inches long. She is so beautiful. I don't think she looks much like my other two babies. She has her own look. After she was born, they couldn't get her to cry she was moving and breathing but not crying or breathing deep enough. They got her cleaned up and handed her to me for a minute. Then Chip and my mother got a quick snuggle and she was off to the NICU. She's been there ever since.

Her white blood cell count is too high and she may have an infection. I said MAY. We have no idea as nothing is showing up on the other blood test that would show a definite infection. Basically she's in there just in case something is wrong. They are giving her antibiotics and drawing her blood every morning to see if her cells are normal or not. So, we are waiting for the dr to call us one morning and say "She's great! Take her home!" We thought we'd hear those words today, but that was not the case. I know she's where she should be. I would hate for something to flare up here at home and us not know anything until it was too late. It's still disappointing though to have to go visit her up at the hospital. We want her home with us :(

Welcome to the family, Baby Girl!!!