Chiara Isabella

Well, I had written a long post about the birthing process and saved it to post later with pics, but of course it has disappeared into the universe somewhere.... So how it all went down is like this. I went in for my appointment the day before my due date. I was dilated to a 3, so my doc stripped my membranes and gave me a few "suggestions" as to how to get my contractions going. Needless to say they worked and by three in the afternoon I was getting regular contractions. By 7:00 pm they were a few minutes apart so we went in. When they hooked me up to the monitor they noticed that every time I had a contraction that the baby's heart rate would drop really low. The problem was that I was only dilated to a four at this point and putting me on pitocin would only put the baby in further distress. After about an hour of this my doc decided we needed to take her by c-section. I was not ready for that, but in the moment you don't have much of a choice. Why is it that I know so many women who have their last baby by an unplanned c-section? Anyways, next thing we know, Joel is putting on some super tight scrubs, we're making lots of jokes with my doctor, and then I'm hauled off for surgery. It was just like in Gray's Anatomy where there is music playing and everyone operating on me were talking about what plans they had for the weekend, and who won that game, like it wasn't weird at all that they were about to pull a baby out of my stomach! It was surreal! I felt a lot of tugging and the next thing I know my beautiful little girl was screaming the most beautiful high pitched squeal you've ever heard! It was so hard to not be able to hold her as my arms were strapped down, but I was so happy when Joel put her little peanut head next to mine so I could kiss her. She was 21 1/2 inches and 8 lbs 2 oz. First and foremost... C-Sections suck!!! It is so frustrating having two normal deliveries where I could walk around and feel pretty normal after a couple days, to being in agonizing pain every time I had to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Joel was my super hero! He was there with me the whole time. He took care of the baby the whole time and loved every minute of it. These two have a special bond. We decided to name her Chiara (key-ar-a) Isabella. She is so sweet and peaceful. She really is an easy baby (knock on wood). I can't believe she is already one month! Our home has been a revolving door for visitors. My mom was here for 10 days, Joel's mom for three weeks, then my father-in-law came, my parents, and sisters for the baby blessing. They all have helped us so much with the kids and our house. We are super grateful. Now Tio Christian is here and we are having a lot of fun. Allegra and Gianluca have been in heaven! They also love and adore Chiara. Allegra is a bit of a smother mother, but she's learning. I'm so happy she loves her sis so much. Anyways, I'll update more details later. That is the initial story. Joel's tight scrubs. He likes to call them his wrangler scrubs! Too funny! The Proud Daddy Our first meeting! All of my labor and delivery glory! Best Friends Already! Well at least while she can't talk yet! Mom, Darci, Kim, and me. I love these awesome women!It was a blast having them here! Abu Maggie, Allegra, and the baby The proud siblings More pictures and updates to come soon!