Discharge

Technically, I wasn't supposed to go home until day four, or after my third night in the hospital.  After talking through the logistics of getting me home, Alex and I concluded that going home in the middle of the night on day three was best.  Natalie had an early flight which would require Alex to bring all the girls to the hospital for my discharge.  I was pretty uncomfortable from my c-section and couldn't imagine dealing with all four girls.  I wanted to go home and be settled without their "helping hands." 

Luckily, our nurse agreed to the plan and found the appropriate people to discharge me.  My doctor was quite surprised when I wasn't there the next morning but leaving in the middle of the night was the best thing we did.  The girls woke up to us all settled in.  They were thrilled.

 As the nurse wheeled me down to the lobby, I was overcome with gratitude.  Last time I took that ride, I was leaving my fragile twins behind and riding in a wheel chair empty handed.  One cannot imagine how hard that is on a mother unless they have experienced it.  My heart was broken.  This was so different.  I was taking my baby HOME!

Sweet Evelyn

Alex and I had wonderful day on Wednesday (Evelyn's second day of life), just getting to know Evelyn.  Natalie had the girls and Alex spent the entire day with me. 

This baby is so sweet.  Here are some cute pictures we were able to snap in the hospital.

I love those tiny feet.

Family of SIX!!!

The girls were so excited to meet Evelyn.  We didn't tell them her name before she was born so once they had a name, they were ready to put it to a face.  I was ready to feel like a family.  Nervous, but ready. 

Here are my sweet girls. . . all four of them. 

They were in awe of her tiny size, tiny feet and tiny hands.  They were so gentle and curious.  

Adeline was the first to hold her.  She jumped at the opportunity.  

 Miss Lila proved most comfortable.  She was rubbing Evelyn's head, giving her the binki and, in general, at ease with her little sister. 

 That smile says it all!

 The big sister.  She has grown into such a helper.  She absolutely loves her. 

 Complete and full of love.

Baby Day!

March 25, 2013 marks my last day of pregnancy.  I felt huge!  I was ready to get my body back.  I was swollen, swollen, swollen!

We woke up to a snow storm that morning.  My dear friend Natalie, was flying in from NC to watch my kiddos while I was in the hospital.  Did I mention that she left her four children at home to watch my three girls?  I love her!  With all the snow, her flight was delayed which created a bit of a juggling act.  In steps another good friend, Melissa, who was ready and willing to watch the twins until Natalie arrived.  Thank the Lord for good friends!

Alex and I dropped Savannah at school and said a tearful goodbye.  It was much harder to leave my kids than I thought.  There is always that fear that something may go wrong. . .

Once the twins were settled with Melissa, we headed to the hospital for my PLANNED c-section.  We were both so thankful that I made it full term.  Who would have thought?!  It was so strange for things to move at a slow and relaxed pace.  While Savannah wasn't premature, she was an emergency c-section that took place within the hour of me arriving at the hospital.  The twins involved an ambulance.  Baby #4 was a slow drive through a beautiful, spring snow storm.  What a difference.

Here are my last pregnancy pictures.  HUGE!!!

 This little girl stuck it to her Mama.  I gained 50 pounds!

The c-section went pretty smooth.  The spinal took two tries and was rather painful during the "miss," but other than that, it was a typical c-section.  I get pretty nauseous and am pretty miserable.  It is hard to lay there feeling so yucky but at the same time trying to take in the experience.  Actually, the experience in the OR is pretty disconnected.  I see my baby and know she is mine but feel very little emotion.  It isn't until they bring my baby into the recovery room, that I "feel" the magnitude of the birth.  In fact, I think I would rather be completely out for the c-section and just wait to meet my baby when I can actually hold her and touch her.  Watching her cry on the table from across the way is very strange.

Here are the first pictures of Evelyn Rose.  Some of you may notice that we have dropped a second "n" on her first name.  It got too confusing.  The iphone hated it, friends didn't use it so we just dropped it.  I still think Evelynn is prettier but she is Evelyn.

We were expecting a seven pound baby so when they told me she was a big, chubby eight pounder, I was shocked. I am not a fan of chubby babies and thankfully, Evelyn doesn't give off that impression. After a long "closing" in the OR, I was finally moved to recovery. Evelyn had blood sugar issues that resolved after three hours. They finally brought her to me around 5:00 that evening.

I love holding my baby for the first time. It was so quiet and peaceful. I couldn't believe how right it felt. I think I have been on cloud nine ever since. We are so lucky to have had this little girl find her way into our family. Everything about her seems so perfect. I was meant to have four girls!

I have to post a picture of Evelyn with her orange hat. Lila picked this hat out for her. Needless to say, she was the only baby with the orange hat and we had ample opportunity to explain why that was.

I can't put into words how much I love this baby. I don't think we would have ever been brave enough to "pull the trigger" on the a fourth child but we are so glad she is here. We have so much love for her. Miss Evelyn Rose, you will forever be my life's greatest surprise!

One Last Activity Before Baby

The night before I headed to the hospital, we squeezed in a quick dying of Easter Eggs.  The girls love this and always look for magical messages from the Easter Bunny.  That Bunny is tricky.  He makes messages appear once the eggs are dipped in dye. The girls get so excited!

This year, Savannah caught us writing on some eggs with crayons!  We are on borrowed time.  She had a look of confusion and disappointment.  We put together some story/excuses and continued on with the night.  My heart breaks because she is getting older but at the same time it celebrates who she is!

Here are a few pictures. 

Happy Last Day of Being Pregnant

My sweet big girl brought me breakfast in bed this morning.  She is absolutely amazing.  Savannah wanted to make sure my last day of being pregnant was as relaxing as possible.  I have been asked numerous times if there is something she can do to help me.  So SWEET!

The first words I heard from Lila were, "Mommy, you and Daddy are so lucky.  You get to have your baby tomorrow!"  I think they are all very excited. Lila also snuggled up to me yesterday and told me that I am her best Mommy and that she never wants me to die.  Ugh.  It is so painful to watch your children come face to face with their parents' mortality.  I think there are many emotions that are swirling around in her head.


And this one, well Adeline has been the sweetest little girl too.  In between her recent bouts of whining, she has snuggled me more than ever.  She was my basketball buddy yesterday as I spent a few hours on the couch watching the games.  After all, I am two days away from giving birth, I think I deserve some couch time.  Having a little one snuggled up close to me made it even better. 

One Last Mommy and Daddy Center

This weekend marked our last mommy and daddy centers without having a baby in the background.  Who knows how that is going to change things.  We really enjoy these centers.  As you may remember, the girls spend a half hour with me, alex and then by themselves.  We do all sorts of different activities.  Whatever they want to do, we pretty much do it if we can.  It is pure one on one time with each girl.  We all love it.

This round consisted of Mommy playing games with Savannah, and then painting with each of the twins.  I didn't take pictures of our games but did capture some artists in training.  The little girls were so proud to paint on canvas.  I think they did a fantastic job.  Soon, these painting will be hanging in their bedroom.