She's Here!!

After my last post, I decided it was about time to wake up the hubby and start making some official hospital/Max plans. So, we called my mom, who came to hang out at the house until maxman woke up and then headed out the door. By the time we checked into our room at the hospital, it was about 8:00 and my cervix was dilated to a 7 (10 is the point where you push for delivery). I wanted to try this delivery out natural, a big contrast to the epidural I had with Max at about this same point in labor. So, I bypassed the meds and focused on breath, breath, breath (thank you to pilates and yoga for the last two years that taught me how to internalize and focus on breath and distinct muscles!).

With supportive Mike by my side, I was progressing pretty quick, and the labor and delivery nurse kept popping in to let me know they still hadn't located my Doctor yet (we later found out he was out on his morning run - in the freezing cold!), and was a little slow to receive the page. But, he came in the nick of time - at that point my cervix was a definite 9.5, and moments later I was ready to push. 2 pushes later and at 9:46a.m. cute little Alexis Grace came out - alert, wide-eyed and stinkin' cute. The delivery was completely exhilarating - probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life as my body was filled with pain and adrenaline all at once. And, as soon as she was out, I felt great! The pain already seems like a distant memory. At 6 lb 8oz and 21 inches - she is just a tad lighter and longer than Max (6 lb 9 oz and 20 inches). My body must like that size of babe!

We're doing awesome. Max met Alexis this morning and talked to me on the phone a bit ago asking how the new baby is doing. I think he's going to be an awesome big brother.

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, yep, Alex (that's what we'll call her for short) is already showing a hint of red in her hair, just like her big brother.

Pictures to come soon!