I don’t even know how to start this post. How do you sit down and type out the emotions you feel when you welcome a child into the world? Well, you can’t. So instead I’ll share with you the day’s events and do my best to convey the feeling of absolute bliss when I finally got to hold my baby girl. Word to the wise… you know this is going to be long!
So where did we leave off? Ah, yes, I was hooked up to my whiff of pitocin and the contractions had started.
Contractions stayed steady and I was feeling good. I was told the doctor would be back in a few hours to see if the contractions had successfully started moving her down in the right direction. David and I hung around the room chatting and we told mom and dad to bring Hailey by.
She walked into the room and her eyes widened when she saw me. I thought the sight of me in on a big ball and attached to some tubes might freak her out. Her eyes looked quizzical as she asked me ‘Mommy, what you doing?’
With some coaxing and explanation that her baby sister was getting ready to come out of my tummy, she got excited and I managed to get some snuggles.
At 10:30 the contractions were still coming every 2 minutes and feeling strong. I could feel baby girl wiggling around and her heartbeat was staying steady. I was feeling good enough to be hungry and sipped on some broth.
At 10:45 the doctor came in to check me. I was 4cm and baby girl was moving down.
He broke my water and I knew with that cushion gone things would start to get a little more real.
David and I turned on Frasier to distract me as the contractions started getting stronger. By 11:30 they were intense. They were still two minutes apart but when one hit me, I’d have to close my eyes and focus on breathing through them. They continued to get stronger and I couldn’t stay in bed and needed the room to be quiet. I’d stand up until one came and then I’d fold over into David or onto the table and sway my hips back and forth and trying to breath as they passed.
Things began to get fuzzy after that and I decided the pain was too much for me to handle so I decided to ask for the epidural. At 12:30pm it was administered and ahh, instant relief! Just like with Hailey, I could wiggle my toes and move my feet, but the pain was gone (though I could still feel the tightening). No regrets.
The nurse came in to check me at 1:45pm. I was 7-8 cm. She said the baby had a few heart decels and she wanted to try turning me onto my side. I turned over to my left and she told me she’d be back in a little while to check me again. Well, only about 30 seconds after I turned onto my side I felt serious pressure. I don’t remember feeling it with Hailey, but I knew instantly that it was the pressure to push. I mentioned it to the nurse, who casually said that she would check me again.
I turned back over and her eyes opened wide. She is right here! she said. She yelled to another nurse to page the doctor right away and told me to try my best not to push as another nurse rushed to shut off my pitocin. David and I looked at each other with excitement… here we go!
5 minutes later the doctor still wasn’t there yet and the nurse was clearly anxious. She was holding the baby’s head in and finally told the other nurses to get ready because they were going to have to deliver the baby. The tension was high, the room was bustling and I was given an oxygen mask. That’s when the doctor walked in the room. He took one look at me and jumped into action. Everything happened so fast and I heard the nurse say something about baby’s heart rate being low for 3 minutes and my heart almost stopped. I knew I needed her out now.
I meant business and couldn’t have cared less about tearing again, so I went for it and in just 3 pushes, Kaitlyn Elizabeth (Kaitlyn, a namesake to David’s mom, Kaleen. And Elizabeth, my Grandma Betty’s name) made her entrance into the world at 2:04 pm. I heard myself saying over and over, she’s not crying, but a moment later, there it was, the sweet sound of a newborn cry as the nurses noted her long fingers and legs and her curly hair.
They put her up on my belly immediately and I got to give her a kiss on her crinkled forehead as tears started flowing again from my eyes. There are no words to describe seeing your child for the first time. Any doubt I had about my ability to love another child vanished in an instant and my heart exploded with more love than I had ever felt. She was finally here!
They moved her over to weigh and measure her, as the doctor stitched me up. Only a second degree tear instead of the third degree I had with Hailey. I considered that a win! Soon enough, she was back on my chest. I tried to nurse her and she latched right away, continuing to nurse for 20 minutes on each side.
After nursing, they gave her a bath and the curly hair they had told us about went completely straight- haha! Also, it turns out she was born posterior and had the cord wrapped once around her neck, just like big sister! But none of that mattered anymore. She was safe and healthy in our arms.
We knew we wanted Hailey to be the first to meet her, so we called the family to come to the hospital at 4:00. David went to get Hailey from the waiting room and videoed her coming in to meet her little sister that we had talked so much about. That video will always be one of my favorites. Hailey was cautious, but so excited to meet Kaitlyn. She couldn’t wait to give her the giraffe present she had brought. Kaitlyn gave her a new baby doll, which she took to immediately. It was perfect.
After a little time as a family of four, we brought all the family back to meet her.
After passing her around and sharing many hugs, tears and laughs, the room cleared out and it was just David, Kaitlyn and me. David and I couldn’t stop saying how perfectly the day had gone. Though it wasn’t the ‘going into labor on my own’ path I had really wanted, the whole experience was calm and wonderful. We both commented on how we felt we were able to really enjoy Kaitlyn’s entrance into the world and how excited we were that she was finally here.
Becoming a mom the second time is no less special and I’ve spent so many moments sniffing her head, touching her soft skin, looking in her eyes and breathing in this newborn goodness. Though I know everyday won’t be rainbows and sunshine as I navigate our new path as a family of four, I see how quickly the time passes. Since I have yet to find that pause button on life, I want to do my best to soak it in.
I’m planning on writing a post on tidbits from the first week (<–I did, click there!) and another answering questions I’ve received, so if you have any questions, please comment with them. And again, thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve shown me and my family. I’m reading every comment and email and it means so much to me!
John J. says
A beautiful heart felt recapturing of this wonderful experience. You will treasure this recount forever, as will Kaitlyn Elizabeth. I’m so glad I was able to be present to see you again birth a special love child. You’re a great Mother!
Lee says
Congrats!!
Heather @fitncookies says
Aww I was tearing up for you! I’m so glad everything went well! She is precious, and I love the picture of her staring at David! Precious
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
What a beautiful story! I’m so happy kaitlyn is here safe and healthy. Enjoy every minute 🙂
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
Aww, congratulations! I’m so glad everything went so well. She’s absolutely gorgeous!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I should have known I’d need a tissue to get through this!! So glad your beautiful girl is here, and that things went smoothly. Enjoy soaking up that newborn smell!
[email protected] says
This story was so sweet, and your baby girl is so cute! I am so glad you had a good delivery and that you and baby girl were healthy!
Heather says
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to read more about your little family of four!
Danica @ It's Progression says
This was absolutely amazing to read – it brought tears to my eyes! I’m so glad the birth went well and that you and Kaitlyn are healthy and happy!!
Kaci says
Such a beautiful post, congrats!
Swiftie22 says
Aww. I’m oh-so-very happy for you guys! :’) Hailey will love having a little sister! My sister and I are practically BFFs, even with our 5-year age gap. And we’re really close because we literally spend all day together (we’re homeschooled). It really is amazing to have a sister. 🙂 And I can’t get over how incredibly cute Hailey and Kaitlyn look together!!!
Brittany Dixon says
I love hearing you are so close with your sister! I also am interested in homeschooling for our girls, but I have a lot to learn! Do you like it?
Swiftie22 says
Yes! I love it. Especially because you can just go at your own pace. I’m currently in 9th grade, though I’m supposed to be in 8th. While my sister is about to finish 2nd grade, though she’s supposed to be in 3rd. But my parents don’t worry about that beacause she’s learning a lot, and she says she loves school! It’s great. 🙂
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
So happy that everything went so well! You have a beautiful family 🙂
Lisa O says
Magical birth story, Brittany. Congratulations on the safe and joyful arrival of Kaitlyn, and thank you so much for sharing it with us. I loved reading! Hope you experience many, many more sunshine and rainbows moments xx
Kim says
Nothing can prepare you for how instantly it changes and your heart growing! Congratulations! Yes, two little ones can be challenging (6mo and 2 yrs) but the joys are just as great and make up for it 🙂 looking forward to hearing about it all!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
You made me cry this morning…in a good way of course!
So happy for y’all! The part where H met her little sister reminded me of the first time I held my little sister…so sweet!!!
Lauren says
Congratulations! She is just beautiful 🙂
Sarah says
Beautiful story!! So happy for you and I’m so excited to hear how your family adapts to 2 little ones 🙂
Ellen says
Hooray and congratulations! I told you second babies just sail on out 😉 The 16th is a great day for life events. Both of my girls were born on a 16 and my husband and I were married on a 16.
Be gentle on yourself while you heal. Way to go momma!
Emily says
Yea! She’s here!
Love her name. I would love to know what other names you considered since I’m such a big fan of baby girl names. Obviously, Kaitlyn fits her to a T!
Brittany Dixon says
It took us so long to decide on one, but we also liked Ainsley, Emily and Hannah to name a few. In the end Kailtyn worked out best because we love the name and it’s also a namesake to David’s mom (Kaleen). 🙂
Stefanie says
What a beautiful family! Congratulations!!!
Katrina-Marie says
Beautiful, Brittany!! What a sweet little thing. Blessings to you and your precious family! 🙂
Katya says
Way to rock it! I’m glad things went so smoothly!
Jen says
Congratulations, so happy for your family! She is beautiful!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
What a beautiful entrance! So glad she’s here and safe. Congrats, again!
Karen says
This is just beautiful!! Totally brought tears to my eyes. Such an adorable family of four right here. xoxo
Lauren B. says
I’m crying over here! What a beautiful story, and I’m glad that it went so smoothly and calmly for you this time. I’ve been wondering how in earth I am going to love another baby as much as I love Jackson, so I’m happy to know that it’s possible! :). Can’t wait to read more!
Maria says
Birth stories are my favorite and thank you for sharing yours with us! It sounds like things happened the way they should have! I love the photos that your photographer took – everyone looks ridiculously happy!
[email protected] Culture Cuisine says
What a beautiful day for your family! Although our girls did not enter the world in any way, shape, or form how I imagined and 100% the opposite of how we had Kherington, you quickly realize that their health, well being, and just being a part of your loving family is all that matters. It will be so fun for you to see how your girls continue to grown and bond as sisters! I know we have loved now that the twins have become more interactive that it is so fun to see how much for exciting they are for Kheri. Being a parent is the hardest, yet most rewarding experience!!
Kathy says
Sounds like a perfect story book!! Congrats! Let the FUN begin!
Katie Harding says
Congrats! Your baby girl is beautiful, and I loved your post!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
She is so beautiful, mama! You did good!
Kaitlyn @ Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
Well I LOVE her name;) she’s absolutely precious! And you look terrific in those pictures! I mean no one would know you just had a baby!! I know you mentioned that it took you a while to decide on her name, so I just wonder how you decided?!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, hope you don’t mind us being copycats 😉 We love the name Kaitlyn, but I wasn’t sure it was THE one because we liked a few. It ended up being perfect though because we think it’s a classic name (which we like) and it’s a nod to David’s mom (Kaleen). Made it extra special!
Jen says
Congratulations! Such a sweet story, thanks for sharing. Brought tears to my eyes as I’m going to go through this in about 3 ish weeks. Thanks for the idea of videoing the moment big sister saw her for the first time.
Kinley says
Congrats on your new little one! I love her name and it already looks like Hailey is going to be a great big sister 🙂
Also, you look awesome for just having given birth 😉
Sarah says
Lovely post. Glad it all went so well. I had seen you had posted this today while i was at work, so i saved it for this evening. Set out early in the car to pick up my hubby and have read it while i waited for him in the rain. Lots of love x
Jill says
Oh, she’s here! Congratulations!!
Carol says
Congratulations, she is absolutely beautiful! So happy things went so well, thank you for sharing it with us! 🙂
Christy says
Congrats and welcome to the two little girls club! It’s SO much fun. :). Enjoy the intoxicating newborn phase with your little one and give big sis some extra kisses and hugs. Such a special time!
Jess says
{Somewhat new reader ( I think I started following your blog midway through this pregnancy), first time commenter.} CONGRATS to you and your whole family! Beautiful story, beautiful baby, beautiful family. Wishing you all the best as you continue to adjust to life as a family of four.
Lauren says
CONGRATS!! I’m usually not very into birth stories but your writing is always so down-to-Earth and this recap was no different. I know you were worried about being able to put the experience into words, but I think you did a perfect job 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
What a beautifully written post, Brittany! You captured every detail so well, and I caught myself tearing up a few times. I’m so thrilled for and your new baby girl. I’m so glad Kaitlyn is happy and healthy – she is precious! Congratulations again! xoxo
Domi @ Eat Pray Lift says
What a beautiful birth story! I may or may not have gotten a wee bit misty eyed… 😉 Congrats again!
Shari says
Oh, this is just so sweet! Congratulations on your beautiful family! 🙂
jen says
congratulations! i can’t wait to read about your adventures as a family of four. you look blissful in the first photo of you holding kaitlyn. i got so teary eyed when you wrote about hailey being the first to come in and meet her!
Becky says
Congrats! So excited for you! We are trying for #2 right now 🙂 I just stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago and I love it!
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
I just adore reading your family’s story. My husband and I will eventually have more kids, and I am so nervous about how my heart will manage to love another child the way I love my son. You’re showing me it IS possible.
I’m so happy you’re sharing all of this!! Thank you!
Avery @ Young Aspirations says
What a great story! I’m so happy for you guys, and she is seriously such a pretty baby! What a little doll face 🙂 So great that you got such awesome pictures of the whole experience too! Totally with you on that epidural, and don’t regret it for a second! Hoping to write our birth story soon. I commend you for getting yours done so quick – I’m definitely having to re-learn how to manage my time. But of course it’s more than worth it! Congrats!
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
She’s just beautiful – and such a wonderful birth story! Thanks for making me cry! 😉 Can’t wait to hear how having 2 is going for you!
Marjorie says
Beautiful post, and I am still in awe that you are able to write with all you’ve got going on! And yes, hearing that cry was the most comforting sound in the world. When my son cried for the first time, it was LOUD, and I was so relieved. That loud, strong cry was music to my ears.
Julie says
Blessings to you and your family. Your girls are BEAUTIFUL!! Sounds so cliche but treasure every precious second as it truly goes by in the blink of an eye. My girls are 20 and 18 and I have no idea where those years went.
Oh BTW…my girls?…..Kaitlin (20) and Hayley (18)!!!!
Best wishes!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness, that’s too funny! Clearly we both have great taste in names?? 😉
Ashley says
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl.
Amanda says
Congrats. She is a beautiful baby! Love the family of 4 photo-one you will cherish I’m sure. 🙂
Jenni @ Fitzala says
Oh, I love this post so much! So sweet and special, brought tears to my eyes. Ah can’t wait for kids!
[email protected] says
! How do you look so good moments after giving birth!?! Beautiful pictures! Congratulations
bonnie says
I loved reading your birth story, so heartwarming!! Your family is beautiful & your happiness & love just radiates from your pictures !!
Enjoy every precious moment !!
Sandra says
This made me cry! Beautiful – thanks so much for sharing. You are all beautiful inside out!
April says
What a great birth story! So glad that you and your baby girl were healthy. Your family is beautiful! Blessings to you as you transition into your new role of mommy of two!
Jess Mathias says
Congrats Brit!!! What a beautiful family you have. So happy for you and David. So glad that everything went well.
Gina says
Congrats Brittany! Reading your story got me all choked up and teary eyed for sure! SO happy Kaitlyn is here and healthy and happy!
Julie says
Congrats! Love love love the pics!!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Congrats Brittany! She is so stinkin’ cute 🙂 I love that you had her and Hailey exchange presents. What a nice idea. And I LOVE the last picture. It looks like Hailey is very proud to be a big sister!
char eats greens says
Such a beautiful post and for someone who doesn’t get overly emotional, this one could make me cry. I think you’ve broken me! hahah
Kaitlyn looks SO perfect and gah to that last picture of the 4 of you!! I’m so happy that she’s here!!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
Oh friend… she is PERFECT! Sorry I’m so behind.. but this just brings me tears of joy! Praise Jesus!