Kaitlyn Jean

The most beautiful baby girl came to our family this week. She was born at 1:02 AM on June 25th weighing 7 lbs 2 oz and was 19 1/2 in. We are all doing well and enjoying this sweet new baby. Tonight, Kevin took Jackson to the father/son campout-just for the evening- so I thought I'd take advantage of a little quiet time (yes, with Jackson out of the house it is quiet) to update you all on the past 36 hours.
DISCLAIMER: Only read this if you are interested in the birth story. (Don't worry though, its not overly detailed). Otherwise, just skip down to the pictures.
Since her older brother was born a week after his due date and had to be induced, we figured this one would be the same. We were planning on having a July baby, so when I started having contractions at 8:45 PM Wednesday night, I thought for sure I was just making them up. Kevin was getting ready to go play some basketball at the church. He asked me if it was okay if he went. I said of course, but asked if he was taking his cell phone. He said he was and I told him to make sure to put it on the ring setting so he'd hear it if I called. That made him a little curious, so he asked if I was having contractions. I told him I was, but not to worry because it probably wasn't anything. I don't think he really believed that I was having contractions either. Well, the contractions kept coming and they were getting more intense, so I was relieved when Kevin called me a little after nine to say that no one was at the church and he was headed home. While he was gone, I had started packing my hospital bag and getting the house somewhat in order. I also alerted our good friend and neighbor, who had agreed to watch Jackson, that tonight could be the night. When Kevin got home, he could tell that I was serious about the contractions and also started packing and washing the car seat fabric (we thought Kaitlyn deserved it to be cleaned after all Jackson put it through). I decided to call my dad before he went to bed, just to let him know what was going on. As we were talking, my contractions kept getting stronger. Kevin had his stop watch out and had been timing them. They were 4-5 minutes apart. I told my dad that one was starting and when that one was over, he sounded a little worried and told me I should get to the hospital. So we called Jackson's "babysitter" who is this wonderful woman that came and slept on our couch all night, took him to her home the next day and even made dinner for us the next night- a true life saver who helped out since my mom isn't coming until Monday! Unfortunately she is at girls camp and we had no way of even getting a hold of her, until the next day when a lady in the ward was going up to camp. I still haven't talked to her and look forward to her coming home tomorrow so we can catch up! I can't wait for her to come!
On the drive to the hospital the contractions were really getting intense. Walking into the hospital I would have to stop and really focus to get through them. It was around 11:00 PM at this time. We checked in and the nurse informed me that I was dilated to an 8. HELLO! That took us by surprise. I wasn't expecting to be that far along. The nurse got my IV in on the first try, which was wonderful considering that last time it took 3 different nurses and 5 tries! Then I was whisked down to my room. I met the on call Dr who was getting ready to deliver another baby. My water wasn't broken yet and he didn't want to break it for fear that he would end up with two women to deliver at the same time. I think that was a mistake though because after that the nurse kept telling me that she was surprised my bag of water hadn't broken yet and that it was adding to all the pressure I was feeling. They ended up having the mid-wife come in and break it and the Dr. almost didn't make it to deliver our baby! Kaitlyn gave us a bit of a scare because her heart rate started dropping as I was pushing. I wasn't extremely worried however, because the same thing happened with Jackson and everything turned out fine. But after my water was broken I heard the word "meconium" and all of a sudden my labor seemed to intensify. Working as a NICU nurse for 9 months, I quickly learned how serious this can be if the meconium is aspirated into the lungs. Thank goodness she didn't aspirate it and is perfectly healthy. The labor and delivery was pretty intense, however I look at our little girl and would do it all over again. She is such a sweet little thing- even though we've hardly slept since she was born. I'm so glad she decided to come a day early and not a week late. Now we can really celebrate the Forth of July with fireworks, instead of inside the hospital!

I wonder if any babies enjoy their first bath? Ours sure haven't!

Moments after her birth, I enjoyed meeting Kaitlyn for the first time.

The next day, Kevin picked up Jackson and brought him to the hospital to meet Kaitlyn. We were pleasantly surprised to see his initial reaction to her. Look at those two gazing into each other's eyes...

...okay, so Jackson is really reaching for her pacifier, but it was a cute picture anyway. I think his favorite part about this new baby is that there is easier access to pacifiers now since he only gets them at bedtime!

The moments after that weren't quite as tender, and as you can see it worried their mother. Don't worry, he isn't actually trying to hit her, just trying to escape having to hold her. I'm not sure why we tried that pose.

Jackson quickly claimed his old car seat and made himself at home.

Kaitlyn is already daddy's little girl. He really does have the touch and it makes my life easier.

But she is mommy's little girl too and I can't wait for girl's nights out!

Here is our family. Its hard to believe we have two little ones now. I can tell I'll have my hands full. Jackson has had some hard moments where he doesn't want me to hold the baby because he wants me to hold him. Its kind of nice to have a snuggly toddler. He has tried to pull her off the couch already- note to self, do NOT leave baby unattended EVER, unless toddler is in his crib! But Jackson has also tried to share his cars, balls, and goldfish crackers with her. I am excited for them to grow up together.