As many of you have now surmised, Thursday morning found me, my Husband of the Good Genes, and my Doula Beth in the Labor & Delivery ward of the hospital at the crack of dawn. I was feeling chipper, strong and so so ready to get this baby out! Despite all my best control-freak efforts to start labor on my own (I even did Turbo Jennie’s PiYo class on Monday!) – and thanks to all of you for your suggestions; I tried many of them! – my due date had arrived and the baby had not. Given my history of 10-lb babies and my “extremely favorable cervix” (Why thank you, doctor! Can I get that on a t-shirt?) my doctor decided it would be best to induce.
Thankfully since I was already so far dilated and effaced, I didn’t need a medical induction (a.k.a. the dreaded pitocin) and just required a little push to get me on my way. So we snapped one last pic of the babe on the inside:
And they broke my water which for those of you non-baby-makers out there involves the amniotic sac and a very long crochet hook. I’ll let your imagination take it from there.
Doula Beth had some slightly unconventional ideas for how to get my contractions going from mild squeezes to full-on pain party. Did arm wrestling work? I don’t know but the laughing sure took the edge off things! (Who won? We tied but I’m guessing it is only because she felt sorry for me being in labor and all.)
Next up were some vigorous side to side lunges. Between these and the hours of walking the halls, I definitely still got my workout in! I know I look like I’m in the stage production of Patch Adams here but things were actually getting ouchie by this point.
[THERE ARE NO PICTURES OF THIS NEXT PART!] After I started sobbing in the hallway, Beth banned more walking and I banned further picture taking. Sobbing quickly moved on to screaming and then total hysteria. I am not a calm woman in labor. We’ll leave it at that.
After what felt like an hour of the most excruciating pain I’ve ever been in (although Doula Beth said it was closer to 10 minutes), I pushed once and Baby was here! First question: “Is she really a girl?!?”
Red bow says yes! (You know they come out with those on, right?) PS> For those of you wondering about her distended belly, it’s because it’s full of amniotic fluid still as my one-push wonder didn’t get enough time in the birth canal to get it all squeezed out. It came out later. There was much vomiting.
I was one wiped mama but so very happy to finally be holding our long-awaited girl on the outside! They handed her to me, I apologized profusely to everyone in the room and… bliss:)
Dear Readers, thanks so much for your support and encouragement during this pregnancy. You have no idea how much all your comments and e-mails helped! And many thanks to my mom and family and our many friends here for all the help here! Both baby and I are doing great and recovering at home now.
Much love,
Charlotte
for more of my crazy antics and uncomfortable over-shares!
{ 100 comments… read them below or add one }
Simply no word for the joy I feel for all of you. Thank you so much for including us and sharing.
Only you could make the while thing humorous as well
hugs to the whole family
love
carla
She's beautiful! What's her name? Congratulations!
Hooray!! Hello, baby!
Do you know her name yet? Or at least her fake blog-name?
Wow!!!!! Wowowowowowowowowow!!!!! Congratulations! She is GORGEOUS, just like her mom! (And how is it you look so stunning after DELIVERING A BABY?!?!?!?! I looked like a scary clown after my deliveries.)
SO hear ya on the inducement scary-knitting needle. I was induced for my second, and when the doc came in with that thing, I was REALLY hoping she was just heading out for some Chinese food!
Congratulations!
Yay! Hooray! Congratulations! Love the pictures, you both are beautiful! Enjoy the bliss and hope you get some sleep.
I second Marste's suggestion of the fake blog-name (if we can't get the low-down on the real one)
Take care!
ooooh. I cringe for me. was trying the husbands iphone—test drive. FAIL.
I caint type on that thing.
OBVIOUSLY.
Congrats!!! I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world and as much sleep as possible! I'm sure all the men in your house are going to be head over heels for this little beauty
Oh my goodness. She's beautiful Charlotte! Both she and mama.
She's adorable and you look fantastic–I've never seen such an awesome delivery-room photo shoot. So glad everything went well (aside from the excruciating pain part).
Congratulations and hugs!!!!!
Congratulations, Charlotte! She's a beautiful baby joining a beautiful mother (and family). Best wishes in the upcoming weeks and months.
Yay! Labor suits you.
I watched my first's birthing video this weekend, and I decided this baby gets to stay inside.
Congratulations mama!
Congratulations! She's a cutie.
Awww! Congratulations!
I knew it was baby time when you were gone!!! I kept checking back for news!
Such funny & happy pics!!!! Well, until you cut out of course!
She is adorable!!!!! Darling & cute & pink!
A name?
PS: YOU LOOK AWESOME! I can't look like that when I am trying to look good!
HUGS!
I felt like a stalker this weekend checking your site for any word. Congrats and so glad to hear you are both doing well -
Yes! I'm so glad. She looks absolutely beautiful (as expected) and you looked pretty darn cute too. Never seen anyone doing lunges during labor before
Hooray and congrats!
Congratulations! I just want to squish that cutie and blow raspberries on the tummy!
I hope that you are resting comfortably at home!
What a doll! Congratulations!!!
Mazel Tov. May she sleep REALLY well and you heal fast.
Congratulations!
1- I'm so impressed by how fantastic you look right after giving birth..
2- She is sooo adorable! Those little cheeks and nose are seriously to die for. Boy oh boy, do I love me a cute baby, thanks a ton for posting pictures
I'm also very happy that you, and her, both seem to be healthy and complication free:)
I'm suggesting jellybean for her 'blog' name- it totally stuck from when you first started calling her that name 7-odd months ago. Plus, she's so cute that you could totally eat her as a snack, so the name fits perfectly.
Congrats! I'm really happy for you! Now get back to blogging!
Hooray and congratulations! I have really appreciated all of your thoughts and advice, which you have kept writing even as you have gone through this pregnancy. You have been so consistent, but please feel free to just enjoy your wonderful family now! The blogging world can wait a while.
Dear Charlotte-
I hate you.
Not really, but I'm sitting on a birth/exercise ball at 1am reading this and wondering if the weak contractions I've been having for the last 4.5 hours, averaging every 5 minutes apart are ever going to resolve into real, solid, ouchie (as you put it) productive labor. Maybe I'll try the side lunges.
Excuse my jealousy and accept my heartfelt congratulations.
*MWAH*
kisses to you and that gorgeous GIRL.
(still in shock.)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations!!
You look simply radiant and she is nothing short of angelic.
LOVE the side lunges and arm wrestling! We'll just dub them labor lunges shall we?
So happy for you!
Do you have a name yet?
What wonderful news! CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you!
She is coming into a home full of love.
Awwwwwww!! Much, much congratulations… I don't comment much but I read religiously and was vigilantly checking for this news!! So delighted for you and your family!!!
Congrats! She is beautiful
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful!
I am soooo happy for you and your family. What will her name be?
Oh Charlotte, only you could make labour so hilarious! Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm so very happy for you all!! Heaps of love and prayers – may every blessing be yours! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!love liz x
Congratulations!!! Thanks for sharing with us!
Gee, we don't get even ONE shot of your favorable cervix? I'm so disappointed…oh, that's OK, the pic of baby with red bow makes up for it!
I think this calls for a baby blog name contest. No prize needed, just the honor of getting picked.
Congratulations!
congratulations! I love that you were willing to take pictures during labor and share them
Sounds like a perfect induction story. Have fun with your baby girl!
Congratulations! And thanks for sharing all of this with us (and especially thanks for not taking pictures of the screaming, crying and baby-vomiting!!)
She is gorgeous, Charlotte!
Congratulations! She is a beautiful baby girl! Hugs to you and your family!
Congrats! You do look great and so does the baby girl!
Congratulations! She's adorable. It seems like just yesterday you announced the pregnancy – though probably not for you
CONGRATULATIONS!! very cute your little girly!!
CONGRATULATIONS!! Very cute your little girly!!
CONGRATULATIONS! Very cute your little girly!
Congratulations!!!! She's beautiful.
Congratulations! She's beautiful!
She's beautiful! Congrats Charlotte! She's amazing. Enjoy!
(And don't worry too much yet about your pregnancy weight. You'll get it off in due time. Just rest! ;o) )
Congratulations. She's beautiful. Even after the labor horror story, this post only makes me want one more.
Aw! Congratulations Charlotte & family! I'm glad the whole thing went well.
Congratulations! She's adorable.
I came across your blog yesterday by chance. I wish you all the best with your pink bundle of joy!!!!
I myself am a mother of 6 boys so I think I know how you feel right now!
By the way: November 8 is my mother's birthday. She is one of the most caring and generous people I know.
Congratulations! How much did she weigh? Was she as big as the others? You look fantastic and I'm glad it all went well. I was induced the same way with my last little boy (he's 5 months) because I have big babies also and the 3rd had shoulder dystocia. Can wait to see more pictures of your sweetheart!
Congratulations!!!!! She is precious!
Oh Charlotte… my heart swells for you.
Wonderful news!!! Loved the photos, thanks so much for sharing this with us!!
Congratulations! She's a beauty!
Congratulations to you and your whole family! She looks like the most gorgeous little girl, have fun
Congratulations!!!
what an adorable pumpkin!!!! Sending much love and congrats your way…
Congratulations! She is really, truly beautiful! I'm glad to hear you had a safe and healthy birth…I'm going to send this post to my Doula for inspiration
And please, send the one push vibes my way!
Take care of yourself, best wishes for the next few crazy weeks
No picture of Jason in scrubs? We missed that one. I know there was one of him with the baby, but the lighting was kind of weird. Did it turn out?
Congratulations! Mom and baby are beautiful.
Congrads! You both look beautiful, and you're my hero for blogging while in labor!!
cammi99
Congratulations and all the very best wishes!
Welcome, ___________ (I love the name, but out of respect for your privacy will let you divulge it to the world on your own terms)!!
Oh my god. I am usually full of total snark, but YOU JUST MADE ME TEAR UP. *sniff* I'm so glad that you and the baby are healthy and safe!
*ahem* >snark back on>
Where is the unicorn puking rainbows???
Also, those pics are freaking hilarious. Love the one of you guys arm wrestling. Fantastic.
ALSO, you look freaking adorable RIGHT AFTER GIVING BIRTH. You just BIRTHED A CHILD, and yet, you look ADORABLE. Somewhere, far far away, a part of the universe just imploded due to the sheer impossibility of it.
ALSO: Your baby. is. so. cute. If you're looking for advice on baby names (because EVERY new mother LOVES advice!! AMIRITE???), I would go with Amelia. Or Isabella. Or Claire! Claire is my favorite. Or you could name her Allison.
Concratulations!
Finally your bundle of joy is not blue but pink!!!
I wish both of you a good and healthy start together!
By the way: Nov. 8 is my mother's birthday. She is one of the most caring and generous person I know.
Your blog is very enjouable to read.
OMG she is sooo amazingly beautiful!!! And there is no way you just birthed a child…you look gorgeous in those pictures! I'm calling shenanigans
Congrats girl!
Aw.
I was hoping the break in blogging meant the baby was on it's way.
She is beautiful. Just beautiful.
Charlotte, I'm so glad that it all went well for you
Joy.
Congratulations! She is beautiful!
Brave woman. Beautiful baby girl. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the magic.
HOORAY! She's gorgeous!
Your fan,
Reader Jane
Ginormous and squishy congratulations! Seriously, I've never seen someone look that good after giving freaking birth. And…yay! Can't wait to hear more from you soon after you take plenty of time to recover.
CONGRATULATIONS Charlotte! I am so happy for you! She is beautiful! I'm glad to hear you and the baby are healthy, happy, and doing well. Do post the name when you make a decision!
Congrats! Mazel Tov! Woo Hoo!
She's gorgeous and you look amazing!
Thank you for letting us all be a part of this special event.
(((hugs)))
Congrats!!! Thanks for the laughs
Congrats on a healthy baby girl! You both look fantastic!!!!!!!!
Seriously, I am tearing up right now!! She is absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way! Congratulations!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter! So happy for you and your family. Enjoy every moment!
Oh my God! How wonderful! And thank you so much for sharing the picture, it's been a while since my own kids were so very tiny, and it truly warms the heart.
CONGRATULATIONS MAMA! You're the picture of happiness with your baby girl in your arms. So happy that you and she are both healthy and doing well.
Congratulations, Charlotte! I love your labor pictures… You've given me some ideas of how to entertain myself through labor.
Enjoy your daughter!
Congrats! And Abby is a lovely name…
But good thing you had her after a boy or two, as if you have the girl first, she can be too much of a princess (said the only child with no kids or experience to speak of.)
This way, her brother's can toughen her up and watch out for her, as she's sure to be a heartbreaker
You're so blessed-thanks for sharing!
Please let me add my oohs and ahhs! She is so adorable! I bet your boys are loving her, and they will dote on her the rest of their lives!
So, what's the secret? How do you not swell up like a balloon after labor? How is it possible to look so cute during AND after labor?! I MUST know!
Yipee! Congrats to the entire family! I am so excited for you!
Hooray! I'm so happy for you and your family!
Gorgeous – congratulations!
Congratulations!!
hello, pretty baby!!!!
oh, charlotte, i'm so happy for you and your family–thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
Delurking to say congratulations and welcome to the world, Charlotte's baby girl! Glad to hear that you're both doing well, too. You both look totally adorable.
awww, she's gorgeous!!! And how on earth do you look that freaking amazing after giving birth?!?!?! so jealous
Congrats on the beautiful healthy baby girl!
Oh, she is lovely.
And so are you, strong mama. Congratulations to everyone!
Wonderful news! Congratulations! I especially love the photos that make birth look like a musical number… even if that did not correspond to the reality of the event. Here's to some rest for you and your baby and a wonderful time getting to know each other.
Congrats on the baby! and wow I wish I looked that good before and after labor. Your like a superwoman!
She's absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your little gal…
She's absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your little gal…
She's absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your little gal…
Wow! So pretty! Congrats!
Congratulations Charlotte!!! love all the happiness in these pics… both you and your wee baby are pure gorgeousness
Congrats, Charlotte! And thanks for the amazing, hilarious, and insightful posts about your pregnancy. You had be cracking up with that Patch Adams line!
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