Well last night at about 10:30 Michelle looked at me and said "I just felt a pop or something." When she stood up she was wet. So we went to bed not knowing if that was really her water breaking or not. At midnight she woke me for the first time telling me that she was having contractions. So periodically she woke me up and around 4 AM we were totally awake and coming to terms with the fact that we were going to have our baby today and she was 24 days early. I went in to work at 4 because I still had a final to give today and had to make sure everything was ready for who ever was going to proctor the test. When I got home an hour later Michelle was in the kitchen eating cereal. She then started to finish up her packing, and yes I finally started mine. We did some running around and Millie was doing that as well, she could tell something was up.
We waited but I could tell that Michelle was just not feeling settled at home. It is about a 15 minutes drive to the Hospital so at around 8 AM we headed in. I had a feeling we were early as her contractions were close but just not very long. They checked her and she was 4 cm. The waiting game was on at that point. She moved around from birthing balls to rocking chairs(her favorite), to walking down the halls. Around 11 I could see that the contractions were between a minute to a minute and a half and happening about every 4 minutes. At this point she started to be more uncomfortable. Though she was so focused that it absolutely amazed me to watch her the entire time.
At about 1 they checked her again and she was 8 cm. I was quietly cheering in my head as I knew if they had said anything lower she would have been upset. She continued to move around and allow the entire birthing process to work, which from my point of view is amazing and crazy all at the same time.
The Doctor came in around 1:45 and we started to push. She was so strong and again was so focused that they kept telling her that she was a great pusher with great control, I don't think she cared what they thought! To answer those that are thinking it, YES she did the entire birth without any pain meds and it was THE MOST impressive thing I have ever witnessed. It took about 45 minutes and at 2:36 PM today January 16 2009 Ella Grace Simmonds was born. She weighed 6.6 and is 18 1/2 inches long. She is absolutely the most beautiful thing! I am sitting here watching the two of them sleep right now and to see Michelle holding our baby asleep is simply perfect.
Thank you for all that have been here with us along the way. We appreciate all of the support. And now the next adventure begins!
Michelle wanted me to add that in the midst of packing this morning she, and myself, forgot her phone. So those of you that of course she would have called she doesn't want you to be upset. She will be in touch soon.
Hope you enjoy one of the first pictures of Ella.
Thanks Benji
5 comments:
Congratulations to both of you! I am so glad everything went well. Michelle, i was in the delivery room when my mom had my little sisters so I have to say, you are amazing! I can't wait to meet Ella!
CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO excited for the two of you and your beautiful new daughter! Ella Grace is the most beautiful name... I'm SO EXCITED! I can't wait to see more pictures!!
I love little Ella so much already and I can't wait to meet her! I think my heart might burst when I see her precious little beatiful face! Michelle, what you did is astonishing! You did such an incredible thing and I admire you greatly! You guys will be amazing parents and you have such a fun journey ahead of you. I love you guys! :)
Congratulations! I am very happy for you both! I am so impressed with you, Michelle! You are amazing! Ella is beautiful and I can't wait to see more pictures!
-Natalie S.
Again, congratulations!!!! I'm so happy Ella has made a safe arrival. She is blessed to have such wonderful parents. She is beautiful. Can't wait to meet her!
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