Our Daughter's Birth

Our beautiful daughter was born January 18th 2009 at 1:04PM. She weighed 8lbs. 1oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Even coming a week early her weight was still average and had a full head of hair. We are such proud parents!
Saturday the 17th Jason and I were enjoying a quiet evening at home watching the NFL Playoffs. I became very uncomfortable and could not find a way to sit or stand that would relieve my discomfort. Up and down all evening. I paced around the house trying to relieve the pressure. We went to bed around midnight however, Jason was the only one that would get any sleep. My labor pains continued through the night. Being a first time mom that has never experienced true labor I was unsure at the time if my pains were actual contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions that I had had two weeks prior. My contractions were sporadic. At times they were 2 to 3 minutes apart and other times longer. I recall whacking Jason in the head a few times with a pillow when he began to snore loudly. Why should he be so peaceful when I am suffering so! Around 7:30AM I decided it was time to head to the hospital. After waking Jason I began to gather up my bags and pile them by the door. After a quick face wash and tooth brushing we were on our way.
Once at the hospital I was taken to the birthing room. Sure enough I was in labor! Virginia, my wonderful nurse, gave me some pain medication to help me until the anesthesiologist arrived. I had been so paranoid about the epidural considering needles make me wary, but when the man with the medicine arrived I couldn’t care less about the needle about to go into my spine! During the epidural I was contracting and just wanted him to hurry so I could move. Soon relief came and I was a happy contractor! :) Within about an hour and a half I was told I was ready to begin pushing. Believe me I was ready to get her out. At 12:30PM Virginia gave me the green light, 34 minutes later our beautifully baby girl made her arrival.