Melanie Maree

I have never been so excited to have a baby before, I could not wait to meet Melanie. We were disappointed when we were told that we had to wait to come in because they didn’t have any beds available. Around 9:30am we got a call saying we could go so we jumped in the car and were on our way.

(I have a baby with HAIR!)
I had Group B Strep again, like I had with my other 2. I’m allergic to Penicillin so the alternative antibiotic takes 2 full doses in order to insure that the baby is protected. Each dose takes a full 4 hours. This kinda freaks me out, especially because I read that a baby died earlier this year because they didn’t know they had it. This is one of the main reasons why I get induced.

I was dialated to a 3 when we got there and it took TEN hours to go from a 3 to a 5. Once I was a 5 it only took about an hour and half for me to be ready to push. It was very frustrating when I told the nurse that I wanted her to check me because I felt lots of pressure and I felt like I needed to push. She went on to give this ridiculous explanation of how she didn’t want to check me because my water was already broken and it could cause infection and it was very unlikely that I had gone from a 5-10 that quickly. Well about 15 min later she came in and decided to check and I think was very surprise to find out she was wrong. If she would have checked when we asked the doctor could have already been on their way, but instead I had to sit there in agony for 30 min waiting for the doctor to come.

It only took 3 pushes and she was here. That is the best feeling ever to finally feel them coming out, I felt like I could breath for the first time in a long time. I just remember taking multiple deep breaths feeling so relived. She was 8 pounds 3 ounces and 21 inches long.

We got there Monday morning and since she was born Tuesday at 12:35am I had to stay a complete 48 hours because of the Strep, which felt like FOREVER. Monday and Tuesday almost felt like a vacation (except for the whole labor thing) but come Wednesday I was getting homesick for my kids and had a bit of a melt down when they came to see me and I couldn’t leave with them. I was very happy to be discharged Thursday morning.

I always think it's cute how small they look in their car seat at first.

POST DELIVERY UPDATE: Audrey is handling things just as expected. She can't get enough of Melanie and wants to hold her ALL THE TIME. She has been a big help around the house. One thing is for sure, Melanie has a big sister who adores her.

Melanie is by far the best baby I've ever had. I've never known what it's like to have a baby that sleeps all the time. It has made this whole transitioning process a lot easier. She is a sweet spirit and we are so blessed to have her.

Brandon is so cute with Melanie and when he says her name it's darling. I think because she mostly sleeps he hasn't been too jealous, he is more interested in his cars and running around on his scooter.

She has the longest skinniest fingers!

Pete has been helping a lot with the kids. I'm a little worried about whats going to happen when he goes back to work tomorrow, but am curious to see how I can juggle the three kids on my own. I know that he is ready to go back to work, but I am so thankful for his help and being able to rest my body for a few days afterwards.

I've been recovering pretty well. The area around my pelvis is much better. It's sore, but not painful to walk anymore. When the anesthesiologist came in to put in the epidural she said I had a bit of scoliosis from the pregnancy. She made it sound like it's not too uncommon it's from the way the baby was positioned and it goes towards the side I always hold Brandon. My lower back was part of my problem while pregnant and it's still a problem, and I think this might be why?? There is a real strong pinch every time I walk with my left leg. I guess if it doesn't go away I'll see a chiropractor or something, but honestly other than that things are really good!

Here is one last picture with Grandma D. Welcome to this world Miss Melanie!