Well, this morning, January 19, around 6:15 am, my water broke. It's time to head to the hospital! Guess I won't be working my last scheduled shift after all…darn.
The last bump pic!
After several hours of only mild contractions, walking the L&D unit, chilling on a birthing ball, we decided to start Pitocin (to increase contractions) and get this party started. That quickly turned to misery, so I agreed (or begged) for the epidural.
After several hours of laboring, one attempt at pushing, some baby heart decelerations, position changes, a break for both of us, then around 2am we began to push for real.
Two hours later, at 4:01am on January 20 this little one made her debut.
Her little umbilical cord happened to be tied in a knot and wrapped around her left foot.
She is not a happy camper here! Elena Katherine Cantzler is 7lbs 2 oz and is 21.5 inches long. We may have a basketball player on our hands!
A little kangaroo time after all that laboring.
Our first family picture!
With hat/Without hat, she wanted to show off her hair :)
Elena's first visitors all the way from Michigan!
Elena is excited to meet Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Kevin.
Even Greg and Lara stopped by to meet Elena!
Ryan getting his daddy-daughter time during the 4am-6am shift.
We encouraged an early discharge from the hospital and got the ok from both our docs, YAY! We are all doing great and are ready to get to the comforts of home!
Happy to be home!
Grandpa and Grandma Parak getting some Elena time in.
Second family pic :)
Grandpa P on duty, its hard to put her down :)
Elena showing off her spiky 'do.
Daily morning daddy-daughter time and mommy gets to catch up on sleep!
I could get used to this view...
Elena waving "Hi" (or about to karate chop).
Caught a little smile today (or gas).
Mom and Dad, "For my 1 week birthday, I'd like to go to Costco."
Stay tuned for endless more pics of me…this is the end of my first week.
