Allison's Birth Day!

We hope Allison's delivery is a sign of peace to come. It couldn't have been more peaceful and wonderful! It was so unlike her brother and sister--I just didn't quite know what to do with myself. Infact, I was sorta in denial; lucky for me, Justin was the level head this time!

Sunday night we were getting ready for bed and I kept telling Justin when I would feel a contraction. These were not any different than I had been feeling while on bedrest for 3 months and also on the medication I was given to stop the contactions. I supposed that's why I was not alarmed, but Justin on the other hand was realizing they were coming exactly three minutes apart.

I kept telling Justin to just turn off the lights and I needed to just relax and they would go away. Justin on the other hand put his clothes on two or three times and was packing a hospital bag as he timed each contraction. At midnight, after two hours of this, Justin finally put his foot down and called the Slatons to tell them we were coming to drop off the kids and head to the hospital. I wouldn't let him tell the kids the baby was coming because I just thought for sure this was nothing and I'd be turning around to come back home.

Sure enough . . . I arrived at the hospital dialated to a 4 1/2 (I was a 2 1/2 on Wednesday). After about an hour of monitoring I was a 5; same contractions and same timing. The doctor let us know she was on her way and that I was to be admitted. I really couldn't believe it. I had so much to do and just wasn't quite prepared. We called our parents to let them stew in their beds about us I suppose, or probably more to have their prayers. I couldn't believe all the planning of trying to have my mom here and she was going to miss it by just four days.

Here we are! I finally realize it's time and Justin's glad he followed through.

I continued to labor and walked to our hospital room. I was told the anesthesiologist was present and coming to do my epidural and I didn't even quite need it yet. At 4:45am epidural was given, and I was feeling nothing when at 5:00am my water broke on it's own. My contractions actually slowed after that so I was given pitocin and suddenly at about 10min. before 8:00am I felt the epidural wear off on my right side. Very painful for about 20 min, but just in time to push the epidural kicked in again and three quick pushes with one contractions and she was in my arms at 8:13 Monday, August 10th!
It was so fun to have the kids come running in the hospital room to see their new sister. Spencer just kept giggling and when she would cry a little, Sarah would say "No cry, Allison. It's okay."



The first time to see her little eye peep open at us besides right after birth.
We were so excited to go home and be with Sarah and Spence and I was thrilled to get my own shower and bed back! Having said that, I treasured those moments in the hospital with little Alli. She was an excellent eater from the beginning, so no stress there. I loved that I was not seperated for a second from her. The nurses took care of everything right next to my bed side. I loved just cuddling with her and it just being us as I talked to famiy member after family member on the phone and had visitors come, etc.


We had the best family in the world come pick us up. I admit it was a little sad not having the rest of our extended family to welcome us through our front door though. These are times that I wish we were closer.
Here she is. No more hospital onsies, blankets, and striped hats. Love this little miracle! I get teary eyed when I look at her and think about the last 4 years of trying to get her here in our home. Thanks to so many friends and family and she's healthy and happy!

Note: I'm sure glad that I took this bed rest serious and had help. Look what could happen so easy and creep up on me so quick!