It would be an understatement to say that our lives have changed dramatically in a week’s time.  Seven days ago our little girl Charley Reed Randall made her entrance into this world and brought a feeling of joy to our hearts that is impossible to describe.  I realize that not everyone is into reading about a birth story so *warning* you may want to scroll through most of this post.  For those of you that do, I will keep it brief.

At midnight on Thursday night/Wednesday morning, I started having latent contractions.  This basically means that the contractions have irregular frequency and length, but I knew that these were no Braxton Hicks- the baby was getting ready to make their entrance into this world.  By noon the next day the contractions were coming regularly every 15 minutes.  I kept myself busy most of the morning by working from home on the computer, doing last minute cleaning and laundry, and concentrating on getting through the contractions.  By 2:30 my contractions were five minutes apart and I thought it time to tell Aaron to come home.

Upon the advice of my ob/gyn, we went to the doctor’s office first to check my progress.  I was already 4 centimeters and 80% effaced- basically halfway there!  By the time I was checked into the hospital and settled in a birthing room it was 5:00 pm, contractions 3 minutes apart and STRONG!  Since I had given natural birth to Roscoe, I knew I was going to do it with this child.  Let’s just say that contractions hurt like the Dickens, but the benefits of no pain killers is that you feel amazing after birth.  Anyhoo, by 6:15 I knew baby was coming and it was time to push!  At 6:25 our baby girl made her debut and filled my heart with love as soon as she was placed in my arms. 6 pounds, 14 ounces, 20 inches long.

She is beyond perfect.

And she is so lucky to have such an excited, loving older brother!

I am still in disbelief that we have been blessed with this gorgeous girl to raise and to share our lives. God is indeed good.