Our Baby Story - Alexis

Alexis Jane Smith
04.27.13 - 5:16PM

8lbs 15oz - 22.5 inches

brown hair, undetermined (blue) eyes

NB clothes are too tight

You hate diaper changes

You love being swaddled

You are a piranha for food

Your skin is perfect

You sleep better with noises

You came out sucking on your fingers

But luckily you're not a scratcher

Basically, we think you're perfect.

First day at home photo

Dear Lexi, 

We couldn't handle holding you inside my stomach for another minute. We made an appointment when the contractions never came. Things were changing, but you were still 7 days late. Maybe we were eager parents, but now that we have you in our arms, we understand why, really understand.

You're amazing.

By the time we showed up at your 6 AM hospital appointment to be induced, I was already 3.5 cm dilated & 90% effaced & having mild contractions. So mild I thought I might have had high pain tolerance because I didn't feel them. By 7 AM all the paperwork was done and before they administered petocin at 9 AM, I was 4 cm dilated, officially active labor. Again, still mild contractions so I was worried (or hopeful that the pain wouldn't be so bad).

Three popsicles & 2 Jellos later, they broke my water - around 3 PM. Then I learned what a contraction was. In that moment, nothing sounded better than an epideral.  It took 20 minutes of intense pain before the anesthesiologist, aka my bff, came into the room. I was squeezing your father's hand so hard and definitely laying down the water works. I thought surely when they checked my cervix it would be more than a 5. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

The epideral gave me much needed relief; however, I was lucky enough to have what he called a hot spot, the farthest spot from the epideral that apparently it didn't reach. I thought I could do it for another hour, but not another six like they were expecting per my previous dilation. My bff was so nice though, and added more drugs to try and help ease the hot spot. It worked, enough. I thought I was such a pansy.

Turns out it took me around 5 hours to progress 1 cm dilation, but in one hour (after my water broke) I went from that 5 cm to a 9 cm, and with the hot spot that was still there, I fell in love with my epideral because I couldn't imagine 10 hot spots. I can't imagine being happy with anything less. 20 minutes later I was at 10 cm, and you bet I was ready to push. The nurse was a little skeptical, but checked me and then realized,

it was time.

Nothing was sweeter than realizing it was all coming down to this. They say some women can take hours to push, but you came down so well & I felt you enough to push that little head out in 15 minutes. Your father may have seen a different side of me in that moment, well, in more ways than one. He sat down just in case he might pass out. I heard him telling me he could see your head. The doctor was helping me breathe and push push push. I didn't want to stop, and hardly did.

You came out quiet in that first moment, and I asked why I couldn't hear you. Right then, you let me hear you. It was beautiful. I always thought I would be concerned about the blood & goo, but I accepted you with open arms. Gosh, I had waited for you for so long.

The placenta and uterus contractions were mild enough; my mind was only on you. I was in tears. I ignored the doctor and her stiches. Due to your size, she had to cut me a little to let you out. No one expected you to be 8 lbs 15 oz. I never felt more skinny in my life than seeing my stomach flat again. (turns out wasn't quite that flat). They told us later you were 22.5 inches long. Family genes.

You were so beautiful. I loved your hair, your pouty lip, & your soft skin. Grandma & Grandpa Looper & Uncle Troy were waiting patiently. I was lucky enough to nurse you. Turns out you came out hungry. I guess you are my child. That first night is kinda blurry to me at this point. The 2nd night was worse though, I can tell you that much. No one told us to expect cluster feeding & such energy for the dark hours.  I only slept the 1.5 hours when dad finally played music for you.

You're still sleeping all day & keeping us up at night, but we're hoping once the feeding changes, we can help you understand what the sun and moon means. Dad loves holding you on his chest when you're passed out. I rest my head on dad's shoulder & stare at that cute little face of yours. We can't help but think you're beautiful and perfect.

I'm still slow when it comes to moving around. This new stomach of mine is just a tease game. And the bathroom routine has never been so complicated, but it's all worth it. We had a great delivery. Between your father & grandma, I have lots of help and encouragement here at home. The most difficult part is getting back to our first day of nursing. I'm trying not to be scared of you, but we can't wait to introduce the pacifier.

my coworkers sent me flowers!

First car ride. Finally going home!

My favorite photograph. Daddy & his little girl.