It's a Girl!!!

Woman love to share their personal sagas of giving birth and I am no exception. Please pardon my indulgence.

It was October, 9th and Mama Sloan was very pregnant with our little mystery baby, and very anxious to deliver. I went on a long walk in the morning, stepping up and down curbs, took evening primrose, and ate lots of pineapple...still no action. So, we decided to enjoy the fall weather and go for a hike near Hiese Hot Springs. By the next morning I was especially anxious to go into labor because 10-10-10 would be the best birthday ever. So, I took it up a notch and went for a run, it felt fast to me but I am sure it looked more like a shuffle. Still no action.

I was scheduled for an induction on Monday morning at 5:00. I really don't like inductions because they take away your mobility, but when you live far away from family and have two kids you do what you have to do. I have been preparing most of the summer to attempt another natural childbirth, after two failed attempts with Lamaze/Bradley methods I studied Hypnobabies. I am just not made for pain, remind me next time to just get the epidural and enjoy the ride. The hypnobabies worked beautifully during mild contractions, I got several naps during the day (although the soothing voice on the CD's would tell me I wasn't sleeping, I was just in a deep state of hypnosis). But, when the pain intensified (after my water broke) it was a total joke, I could not concentrate enough to do crap (pardon my crass language, it's just the truth). I tried to tough it out, but once again I got to a point that it was just too discouraging; only at a four after hours of intense laboring. So, I was reduced to begging for the epidural. It took about 40 minutes for my wish to be granted, I was a bit of a mess during this time. It was not a pretty sight, lots of "dammit this hurts"...and hyperventilating and screaming "owe, owe, owie!" I got the epidural at 8 p.m. and they checked me right after and I was at a 9. I delivered at 8:45.

As the baby came out Aram announced to me that it was a girl. We were both so happy that we both shed some tears as we held our beautiful Lucy Jean. She was so beautiful. I treasure that moment when they placed her in my arms for the first time, it was such a sweet, tender time. She was 6 Ib. 9 oz, 20 inches tall, and very healthy.

Over the last few weeks we have been taking it really easy and just enjoying getting to know Lucy. She has a very sweet temperment and sleeps a lot. The boys are totally loving her, and will be awesome protectors of their little sis. Marshall has already given her a nickname, Boo Boo. I think it's a good one seeing that she was born in October.