Official Story of Baby Grace's Arrival...

Okay...I finally have a minute to sit down and actually think about all that has happened over the last 5 days. So here is our story...

On the way into the hospital Tyler and I kept talking about how excited, anxious and nervous we were all at the same time. Before we left for the hops ital Tyler gave me a beautiful blessing of comfort that all would go well for the delivery and that the baby would be happy and healthy. This is something he has done with all 3 of my kids, and I can testify that it really makes a difference to know that my Heavenly Father is aware of what I am going through and that he is there to comfort me. How grateful I am that I have a husband who honors his priesthood and is able to give me a blessing when needed.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 and did the necessary paper work and then it was off to the delivery room. At 8:00 my awesome Dr. came and induced me. About 20 minutes later I started to feel minor contractions, nothing painful, but some cramping. I was expecting things to go very fast once I started to feel some pain, but this wasn't the case. I kept telling Tyler that I was hoping to have the baby by 12:00, and he kept telling me that I shouldn't set myself up for disappointment that things could go very differently this time around. Still in the back of my mind this was my goal. Anyway I wasn't really progressing all that fast by my contractions were coming about 2 minutes apart and I was able to handle the pain. At 11:40 Dr. Adolf came and checked me and I was 4 cm. I was DISAPPOINTED. I thought I would have been farther along than that. She broke my water after that, something that I haven't had done, but boy it make thing happen WAY faster. Immediately the contractions were stronger and closer together and by 12:29 Julia Grace entered the world. I am so thankful for a fast delivery and that I was able to do it naturally. I am thankful that my body handled the delivery well.

What a comforting feeling it was to hear her first cries and to know that she was breathing. Both of my boys came out and weren't breathing and they had to call down NICU. It was scary. I was happy I didn't have to experience that with Grace. Another relief was to not have her little feet kicking me in the ribs and feeling like I coudnl't really breath all that well. And the instant relief of having NO heartburn! Here are a few pictures of Grace right after she was born.

Here is a little history about Grace's name. Tyler and I couldn't decide what to name the baby and it wasn't until the day we left the hospital that we finally narrowed it down. I had always liked Grace and so we had decided that somewhere in the name Grace would be used. Our 2 options were Julia Grace or Gracie ReNae. On my mom's side of the family her grandmother's name is Julia May, and her mother's name is Julia Clare. My mother's name is actually Julia ReNae. My Grandma (Clare) and my mother both go by their middle name. So we decided to call her Julia Grace to carry on the family name of Julia, but we will be calling her Grace or Gracie. I think it is important to name your children after someone you admire or use a family name. I am happy that we decided to use Julia. I have to admit that when I first saw the baby she just looked like a Julia Grace to me. I love the name and am happy that is what we decided on.

The boys are totally in love with Grace! Especially Tyson. He can't get enough of her. He is going to be such a protective brother. Carson on the other hand doesn't really know what to think. He like the baby but keeps calling her "mom's baby." He doesn't exactly know what her name is yet and we have to keep reminding him what it is. He is attentive though and doesn't like it when she cries. I'm sure over time he will grow to like her more.

It is great to be a mother of 3. I think I am adjusting well, and I am thankful that Grace is such a good baby! I am thankful that I feel SO GREAT! We have been out for a walk most every night since we got home. We watched the candy parade today and in the afternoon took the kids to the Kid Fest. It is great to feel so wonderful, and to have made a FULL recovery already. Life is good and my heart is overflowing with gratefulness for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I am grateful for family who is so supportive and willing to help to take the boys and come and help me at home. I am thankful for great members of my ward who have brought in meals and taken the boys for play dates so I could have a rest. I am especially grateful for Tyler, he is the best husband a girl could ask for. He was great during my labour, he knew exactly what I needed and how to help me cope with the pain. I was thankful for his encouraging words and his joy when I brought our daughter into the world. He has been great since I have come home with helping around the house and taking care of Tyson and Carson. I truly am blessed and I have 3 little miracles to remind me of all of my blessing everyday.