The first of many memories.

She's here! She. My goodness, I didn't think we knew how to make girls. Wanna hear the story? (NOT about us making her. The other story.)

She's having her hearing tested right now so I keep glancing at the door, waiting for the nurse to bring her back. Wow, it's making me anxious!

Anyway, we came to the hospital at 7:00 am to be induced and it took a bit to get all the monitors set and paperwork filled out, so the actual induction started after 8:00 with the manual breaking of my water. I was dilated to a two. From there I labored pretty naturally with a tiny drip of pitocin. At 10:30 am it was getting pretty painful so I was administered an epidural. Right after the epidural I was checked and dilated to a four.

Where is that nurse with my baby? I don't like when they take my babies.

Back to the story. The epidural only worked on one side, my right. It was to be expected since that has happened with each of my labors because I have spini bifida occulta (which basically means that my spine's anatomy is a little abnormal). So, I figured I would have time to lay on my left side and let gravity fix the problem like I have with each of my labors. I was wrong.

By 11:00 am I was sort-of freaking out and asking for the epidural guy because I could feel EVERYTHING on the left side of my body. He was so busy, and I had only been dilated to a four, so it took him a while to come. It took him too long. Shortly after he came in I was yelling, "pressure! PRESSURE! The baby is coming!" It was the weirdest, most incredibly painful experience having a natural childbirth on one side and not being able to feel the other.

I tried my hardest not to push as the nurse checked me- AWE, my nurse just brought her back, hooray! I feel better now- So the former mentioned nurse checked me and said, "whoa, you're fully ready. Baby's at a +1!" Whatever that means. She told me not to push because my doctor had to run over from the office. Thankfully he came fast because I was whimpering like a puppy. Duke held my hand and brought me back from that dark, scary pain. "Look at me," he said, and I opened my clenched eyes to feel such great peace at the sight of his face.

Sweet joy when they told me to go ahead and push! One contraction and applause from the peanut gallery. Two contractions. I could feel the baby leaving. I'd never felt that before. Not that way. This part is a blur. I saw... Duke with scissors. My body shaking uncontrollably. Pink baby. Girl anatomy. What? Girl? They flopped her on my chest and I tried to control my chattering teeth. I couldn't.

I said, "I feel useless, I can't control my shaking body!" The nurses calmed me by telling me that what she needed from me now was the warmth and that I was providing abundantly. I couldn't even look at her, I was shaking so badly. My chattering teeth impaired my vision. Duke comforted me and assured me she was perfect and lovely, and that I would see her soon.

Now I can see her. She is beautiful. She kind-of looks like our oldest son. She kind-of looks like her cousin, Ella. She mostly looks like her own person. I love her. I want her to awake so I can feed her and snuggle her and fall even more in love with her.

She nursed almost immediately. This is a baby who knows what she is doing. I can't help thinking about the special relationship we will have through our lives together. I think she is going to teach me a whole lot.

Duke took her from my quaking arms when I pleaded with him. I needed to compose myself. I needed the nurses to move my nearly useless, but delightfully warm body for me so that I could see her. I looked over to see a thoroughly enchanted father doting on his new daughter. Lucky lady.

He cradled her in his strong arms and I know she felt safe and happy. Her eyes opened wide and she took him in. I caught him quietly telling her, "you can have anything you want." This is a man who is completely wrapped around a tiny finger.

Since her birth we have had an adventure of a day. Visitors galore. Grandma Re, Aunt Katie, and Papa via skype. Great-grandpa. Grandma and Grandpa. Aunties Tamsin and Emily. Uncle Brenny. Uncle Joey, Aunt Brie, and Cousin Ella.

And the rowdiest crew of older brothers you've ever seen. My goodness, their visit was almost more tiring than giving birth! Those boys loved her. And they loved all the cupboards and outlets and cords. And they loved climbing all over my tender self.

Daddy took them home for the night, and as much as I miss my males, I'm thoroughly enjoying my equivalent to a spa retreat with my new best girl.

She must be so very tired. I think I will take advantage of her sleepiness and get in a little nap of my own.

Could there be any greater blessing on this earth than a family?

I am endlessly thankful for our own growing family and the sweet spirits that have come to us. Baby girl, your sweet daddy and I feel honored, privileged, and humbled to be your parents. the last 10 hours with you in our world have been marvelous, and we're simply ecstatic to share forever more.

Comments

Laura said…
oh my! she is beautiful! congratulations!
Wow a girl!!!! She is perfect. I can't wait to see how you raise her. You're such a great mom. Hope you recover well. Congratulations!!!
Staci said…
Ah, this makes me wanna cry. I'm so excited for you. You have my dream pattern of children..3 boys and a sweet lil girl, but sadly my pattern hasn't ended up that way. She is beautiful just like her mommy. I'm so excited for you. I never could imagine loving a child more then my first boy until I had my lil girl...oh she will melt your heart. :)
Linzi said…
I thought she looked like your oldest too! (can't remember his code name...) Reading your post made me tear up. You are a great mother to your boys and I know you will be a great mother to your daughter. I'm so happy that you had a daughter! Now if only I could have a son....haha! Oh, and it snowed here in Rexburg just for you. Enjoy those precious moments with your daughter. That quiet time in the hospital when it is just you and the babe is so spiritual. Well, to me at least. Such a new gift from God. Love you Megan and congratulations. Bring on the bows!
Anonymous said…
beautiful little girl! So glad to hear that things went (fairly) smoothly. I can't wait to see her name.
Dulapul cu vise said…
Oh Megan, I was sure she was going to be a girl! I am soooo happy for you, crying here at the other end of the world, wishing her the very best in the whole world. I truly am happy, and I can't even imagine how happy you must be.
Welcome to the world, sweet baby!
The Lovinger's said…
oh man!!! I am SOOO excited for you guys! I literally was checking on here are facebook HOURLY! congrats! She is beautiful!
Jdaniels said…
Congratulations! I'm so very very happy for you!
S. Nora said…
I am crying with joy for you!! How fantastic it must have been to learn the gender right there. Yay for the Riley girl! She is already as beautiful and graceful as her mommy. Congrats!! I am so SO happy for you!
prettybaby said…
firstly, congratulations, she is beautiful. secondly, you look way to good for just having labored, goodness! spotless complexion & perfect hair?!

secondly, love all these pictures, such captures!

and thirdly, what's her name? :)

xx
Shells said…
Congrats on your little girl!!! You're are in for a world of fun :)
kelly said…
so happy for you and your family- a baby girl!
KT said…
This post makes me so happy! I was hoping you'd have a girl, but I was doubting myself and thinking there would be another little man. Congratulations!!
Natalie said…
She's beautiful! I'm so happy you got your girl. Dad's and their little ladies are so sweet to watch. I'm glad everything went well and wish you the best as you adjust. I'm right behind you!
Congratulations on your new baby daughter!! How lovely and exciting! After that many boys I'm sure it was a shocking and pleasantly surprising arrival of a beautiful darling daughter. Now I believe that my husband and myself can only make boys :) we'll see come January.
She is beautiful. And so are you! I'm so happy it's a little girl. She is so lucky to have older brothers to protect her!
Kimi Price said…
A GIRL!!!!!! Incredibly happy for you. The tears in my eyes say it all. She is beautiful.
katrina hayes said…
a beautiful story, Megan, congratulations. i'm so happy for you and your amazing family. the best is yet to be!
Teresa said…
Joy! She is a perfectly sweet addition to your already wonderful family. We are so happy for you! (Jenna is delighted that you now have a girl.) A new chapter has opened. What fun!
joolee said…
SHE!!! How wonderful! Congrats again and again. What a beautiful girl and beautiful story. Labor and birth stories always tear me up. :) So happy for your whole little family - that girl will be taken care of and looked after by so many doting older brothers. All the best and enjoy that little one!
Fairy of Lincia said…
I know you have no idea who I am but I love reading your blog. It gives me hope as a mother.

I am so happy to see your sweet baby girl. Congratulations she is perfect and I know will be showered with love from her 3 older brothers and 2 wonderful parents. What a sweet family you have. Hope you are enjoying every moment with your princess.
She's beautiful!! Congratulations! A baby girl with all those big brothers to watch after her. She's going to be one fun little lady!
Stephanie said…
Congratulations!!!! She is beautiful. :)
Congratulations Matt and Megan! I am so happy for your sweet family! I only have boys, I read your blog and play in the mud too, haha. But I'm excited to see the fun adventures you have with your little girl and how having a girl is different from boys, etc. Congrats again!
Sarah said…
A girl.. :D What incredible news. Congratulations! She is beautiful. p.s. You look so amazing!
janandtheboys said…
Ah Megan and Matt, so perfectly wonderful. I love you guys.
Mrs N said…
Congratulations! She is beautiful!

I absolutely LOVE watching my daughters wrap their daddy around their little fingers.

And I agree that the visit from the older siblings is almost more exhausting than the labor! I admit to a little relief when my husband took my older two home! Ha ha
Bridget said…
I love that you call recovery from birthing "[your] equivalent to a spa retreat." Congratulations on bringing another beautiful child into the world! Congratulations on having a girl!
Jashley said…
Yay! I'm so happy! I was hoping for a little girl for those boys to protect! You and baby look absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing such a precious experience.
Jessica said…
Such a beauty, just like her mother. I can't describe the intensely close and special relationship a mother has with her daughter, it's something that must be felt to understand. I'm so excited that you get to experience this wonderful relationship! Congratulations! You did a fabulous job! Can't wait to see more of her!
Beautiful. Congratulations!
Elizabeth said…
Congrats! She is adorable!
I am so excited for you guys!! She looks so absolutely small. How big was she?? I am overjoyed for you guys. She sure is precious!!
lomas family said…
So happy for you! She is beautiful. no greater joy! I can't wait to send you something girly!
Kathy said…
Congratulations! She is beautiful, just like her mama.
Marie said…
meg and matt, Thank you for my beautiful granddaughter. Love you ek, welcome to the family. Love Grandma Re
Kathy said…
Congratulations!! A Girl! How fun will that be, for all of you! The pictures are beautiful - thank you for sharing!
Laura said…
How beautiful she is! You guys make such cute boys, and apparently you make cute girls too! Nice work. She's so lucky. What good parents she'll have--you with your wonderful "woman-power" ways and Duke will be exactly the kind of father described in General Conference by Elaine Dalton. And of course her brothers will be her perfect (-ish) protectors (there will be some pestering, I'm sure --I had three older brothers).
What a wonderful family.

Now somebody throw that girl a baby shower! She's going to need some girl stuff!
robin said…
congratulations! she is gorgeous! and a GIRL! incredible...

she is one lucky girl. you are such an amazing family...
Michelleeeeee said…
congrats on your baby girl!!! I have been waiting and waiting... you look amazing by the way!!
Anonymous said…
OH! Congratulations! It's a girl!! She'll be protected with three older brothers! Best wishes to you and your family!
LeaAnne said…
Congratulations! So glad for you!