Her birth story is pretty short, just like my other two. I had been 4 cm dilated for a two weeks and had been having contractions for the past month, but nothing too strong. The doctor really didn't think that I would make it to my induction date, but I did!

That morning, we had to be at the hospital at 5:30. My parents and Rachel came over early, early to watch the kids, who were still sleeping. Garett and I headed off to the hospital, nervous and excited. When we got there, I was a little dehydrated and Ellie's heartrate was a bit low, so they started me on an IV of liquids. I have to say, that was the most painful part of the day! The nurse could not get the IV in and tried several times on both arms. Finally, she had to call in another nurse who had a bit of a time, too. I have never had any problems with IV's, so I don't know what the problem was, but ouch!

After a bit, they started the Pitocin. They were still a bit worried about Ellie's heartrate because it was on the lower side. At 9:45, the doctor came in and broke my water. I really wanted the epidural before she broke my water, but that didn't happen. So, I did have to go through one painful contraction before the epidural doctor came in and gave that to me. Right after he did, my heartrate shot up to the 170's and we had to work on getting that back down. But, that epidural was the best one that I have ever gotten. I felt the pressure and a bit of the pain of the contractions, but the actual delivery was completely pain free.

At 10:25, after 3 pushes, Ellie was born. The one scary part of the entire day was that she came out with the cord wrapped around her neck. That was the reason her heartrate kept dipping. i am just so grateful that everything turned out okay. She weighed 8 pounds (the biggest of my three) and was 20.5 inches long. She has a head full of brown hair. It, like the other two births, is simply the most amazing thing I have ever gone through. That feeling when they put your baby on your chest for the first time is magical and something that I will remember until the day I die. It is instant love, instant adoration.

Nathan and Emma have done so well with Ellie. They love on her and kiss her so much, that sometimes I have to back them off. Nathan is like a little mother hen with her. He wants to hold her constantly and is always checking on her and getting her the things she needs. He is SUCH a good big brother. Emma is really good with her, too. She has already gone through all of her diapers and picked out the Cookie Monster ones for Ellie to go through first. Every time I need to change her, she runs to get a diaper from the Cookie Monster stash. That kid is so funny.

Here is one picture from the hospital until I can edit the other ones I've taken!