Welcome to Elizabeth Jane

I couldn't believe it when Dr. Rampton said it was a girl! From the very beginning, I thought right away that it was a boy. A mother's intuition is always right, right? About 2 weeks before I was due, Todd asked me again, if I still felt for sure it was a boy. I said I was about 95% sure. I was 100% sure in the beginning, but a little part of me wasn't sure. Everyone said how they hoped it was a girl, and I kept thinking in the back of my mind... well, it won't be! And out she came. Red hair, blue eyes, and looking like Alex, I think.


The labor was fast... the second time. I started very mild contractions on Mon. AM, but could talk, walk, do everything during them. So, obviously they weren't that bad! But I was hopeful. I went on a couple of short walks, but nothing really progressed. I had a doctors appointment that afternoon, and he said I measured barely a 2... how disheartening! He said he'd keep tabs on me over the next few days, and we'll see what happens.

The next day came, and I didn't have one single contraction! I went on a 4 mile walk, and a 2 mile walk, and almost got lost on the 4 mile walk at one point! You just don't think when you're pregnant, do you! Thankfully had a friend with me on the 2 mile walk, so I wouldn't do the same thing! That night the doctor called at 9PM, and told him, not a single contraction! I was sure I was going to be induced late with a 10 pound baby... I was gaining weight like mad!
Well, around 10:30, I started a few of those mild contractions again, but they were about 6 minutes apart... Monday's were between 5 and 15 minutes apart. By 11:30, I thought maybe I'd get up to do the laundry and see if I could keep these coming. I went for a walk about midnight, came back about 12:45 and took a bath. The bath lasted about 5 contractions, but they were really starting to hurt, so I got out and told Todd about 1:30, that he should take his shower, and start heading into the hospital. I called Dr. Rampton, and he was already at the hospital with another delivery, and said if they felt strong enough, go ahead and come on in. Of course, while I was talking to him, I didn't have a contraction, so he probably figured I was still only at a 2! I certainly wasn't sure I was past a 2 either! By the time Todd got ready, and we got everything ready, I was starting to hurt.

I originally was thinking that maybe Todd's mom could drive us into Todd's work for him to pick up his car, so he'd have it, and then we'd all drive over and she could drop us off... well, by the time we were ready to leave at 2:15, I was not about to take time to go to Todd's work!
So, we put Jeanne and Glenn on alert that we were leaving, and got to the hospital about 2:30. I got dressed, and I guess they put the contraction monitor on me, but I really was out of it, and don't even remember that. I got in bed, and Dr. Rampton came in and checked me... I was at an 8! I almost started to cry, cause I knew I wouldn't have time for my epideral that I so love! Dr. Rampton went ahead and asked for one anyone, in case I was going to be stuck at an 8 for a little while. Well, it wasn't more than 3 contractions later, and I knew Ellie wouldn't wait for that epideral! Dr. Rampton came back in and I was fully dialated, and ready to go! It was about 3 pushes and she was out. Thankfully not much longer, cause I don't know how much more I could have taken! And when it was a girl, I couldn't believe my ears!

Over the next 2 days in the hospital, I really fretted and worried about having a girl. Sure, she was beautiful, and I was excited, but at the same time, I don't think I act like a lady very well, so how on earth was I going to teach her how to act like a lady. Yikes! Although I am still worried, after we brought her home, and we started getting all those adorable girl clothes... I started to LOVE having her. Thinking of all the things we will get to experience, good and bad, of the relationship my boys will have with her... I can't imagine life without my little Ellie. She is such a blessing. One I am trying to live up to its fullest every day.

Vital Statistics:
Born 3:17AM on May 14th
Weight: 7lbs 4 oz
Height: 20 inches
Red hair, blue eyes, and Alex's mouth!

With much love,
The Boys Club, plus one girl :-)