more pictures from Lottie's birth

Charlotte Beth Allen

Oh, let me tell you about my sweet baby girl.  She was born on March 26th, at 12:11 AM. 

With a smile on her face and a story to tell.

After 16 hours of an induced labor, during which I felt nothing more than strong discomfort, she glided her way into the world after only 10 minutes of pushing. I was in complete disbelief that the whole process had been so quick and painless.  Her delivery was so easy on my body.

She did not scream. She quietly rested on my chest and listened to me tell her how much she is loved. She did have a few protests as she was being cleaned and measured, but after all that, she came right back to me and nursed for a half hour. 

Everyone in the room could tell that she was just so happy to finally be here.  She brought with her such a feeling of peace and joy.

The nurses kept saying, "I know she can't smile yet, but it really looks like she is grinning!"

As she met her grandparents, she had so much to say. Her sweet baby noises were soft and calm. 

I think I only put her in her bassinet twice during our hospital stay.  I kept her close, knowing that those precious newborn moments would fly by.  

Our family feels so wonderfully complete now that she is here.

thirty-five weeks, two days

Not like I'm counting or anything.

Except I totally am.  Because, at this point, I have to stay in bed most of the time, icing my ribs, neck, or hips every few hours.  You know it's bad when your doctor gives you Vicodin and muscle relaxants to take at the same time.  While you're still pregnant.  I'm really trying not to take them.  Hence the ice.

The wonderful truth is that this baby girl is in no danger at all.  She is healthy as can be.  So, we are just plodding along, eating cereal for dinner, watching too much TV, and  keeping up on our virtual farms.  I am suppressing so many nesting urges and it's driving me nuts.  I don't think she'll need therapy later in life because her nursery wasn't totally finished before she was born.  Sure, for plenty of other things, but hopefully I'll be forgiven for that one.

So, I'll admit that we are counting down and hoping that these next three weeks and five days go by quickly. We are so excited for her to be here.

because I couldn't help myself

We will have to go swimming with baby girl this summer!

32 weeks

Um, yes. This is happening. Only 8 weeks left!